HC Deb 15 May 1918 vol 106 cc333-4
19. Mr. G. TERRELL

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the recent discovery and development of oil in Egypt; whether the effect is to at once make Egypt self-contained and independent of outside supplies; what the prospects are of export; and whether the results obtained are due to private enterprise?

The UNDER-SECRETARY Of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Hewins)

The development of oil in Egypt is receiving the close attention of my right hon. Friend the Member for the Strand, as the head of the Petroleum Executive. My right hon. Friend desires me to say that it is not in the national interests that information should be given in regard to the second and third parts of the question. The fields are being worked by private enterprise, to which all possible facilities are being given by Government.