§ 48. Captain WRIGHTasked the name of the firm with which a satisfactory agree-anent has been come to by the Government to sink trial bores for oil; if this agreement gives this firm exclusive rights so to sink within any and what areas; if the Government is prepared to enter into agreements with colliery companies and others possessing freehold and surface rights over large districts and the necessary boring tackle, within and without the areas, if any, subject to the above agreement; and, if so, on similar or what terms?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Mr. Kellaway)At the moment the Government have under consideration applications to bore for petroleum from three different firms, and negotiations are practically completed, but, pending definite conclusion of the agreements, it is not proposed to publish the names. The agreements would give exclusive rights to bore within certain denned areas. Outside those areas, applications by colliery companies and others possessing freehold and surface rights over large districts and the necessary boring tackle will be carefully considered on their merits.
§ Captain A. SMITHCan the hon. Gentleman say whether the Government have been refused permission to bore?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI must have notice of that question.
§ Captain WRIGHTWill the names of the firms be made public?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYThe answer I gave was that pending definite conclusion of the negotiations it is not proposed to publish the names.
Mr. CHANCELLORWill this agreement involve any compensation to the landowners other than making good any damage done?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI must have notice on the question of terms.