71. Mr. MALONEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what developments are taking place with regard to oil in Palestine; which companies or groups have received concessions to bore for oil in Palestine; and why all reference to oil developments was omitted from the review of commerce and industries contained in the Interim Report of the High Commissioner?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo concessions to bore for oil in Palestine have been granted to any companies or groups since the British occupation. Certain companies and groups, British and foreign, claim to have acquired concessions of this nature from the Ottoman Government before the War. When the Treaty of Peace with Turkey is ratified such claims will be dealt with in accordance with the terms of Section 6 of the Treaty. Permission has been accorded to certain companies to examine the areas over which they claim to have acquired concessions, with a view to determining whether or not to pursue their claims. It has been made clear that the grant of this permission does not prejudice the question of the validity of the claims concerned, and, further, that no exploitation will be allowed until the political status of Palestine has been regularised. There have been no developments in connection with oil which could suitably have been included in the High Commissioner's Interim Report.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThat is a very general question to ask in relation to oil.