HC Deb 21 June 1920 vol 130 cc1729-30
26. Major BARNES

asked the Prime Minister if the granting of concessions for oil getting in Mesopotamia is conditioned by the terms of the mandate and the League of Nations; if so, in what degree; if it is under consideration to grant concessions to other than companies registered in the United Kingdom; if so, to what companies, to what extent, and under what conditions; if he will state when he will be able to declare the oil policy of the Government in Mesopotamia; and what opportunity will be given this House to discuss such policy before it is put into execution?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The terms of the mandate have not yet been formulated, and it is therefore impossible to state the conditions which it will impose. Until the future Government of Mesopotamia is constituted there can exist no authority competent to grant new concessions.

Captain BENN

Is Mesopotamia the subject of the reciprocal arrangements referred to by the Secretary to the Department of Overseas Trade in an answer this afternoon?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not know.

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

Is it true that the future Government of Mesopotamia has been communicated to our representative in Mesopotamia to be published this week?

Mr. BONAR LAW

No, Sir. I believe some general statement similar to that made in 1918 will be made.

Major BARNES

What opportunity will the House have of discussing the Government policy?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Many opportunities. I believe one will occur on Wednesday.