§ 1 and 2. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether any steps have yet been taken 579 to develop and work the petroleum deposits in the occupied territory of Mesopotamia at Kerkuk, Churmati, Kifri, and Mendeli; (2) whether the coal mines at Kifri are in British occupation; and, if so, whether any steps have been taken to get them working for the use of transport in Mesopotamia?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Macpherson)My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer these questions. It is not in the public interest to give details of what is actually being done, but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that both local coal and oil are being developed and used so far as is possible under war conditions and having due regard to the quality of the products available.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill the right hon. Gentleman push the people on the spot?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI will convey my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion to the notice of the authorities. I shall be most happy to show him what we are doing.