§ 14. Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a service of motor omnibuses has been established between Bagdad and Aleppo; whether this service is expected to be self-supporting and, if not, how will the deficit be met; who is providing the original capital; whether the Arabs along the proposed route are to be paid a subsidy so long as they do not attack these vehicles; what is the amount; and who is finding this money?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have seen a statement in the Press to the effect mentioned in the first part of the question, but I have received no Report from the High Commissioner for Iraq on the subject. The Hon. and Gallant Member may take it that any project of the kind that may be contemplated is a purely private venture, and that no financial responsibility will be incurred by His Majesty's Government. I understand that more than one private group has been considering the question of linking up Iraq by motor transport, either with Syria or with Palestine.