§ 67. Major GLYNasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the date on which an application was made to the Government for a concession to extract potash and other salts from the Dead Sea, and by whom was that application made; what were the reasons for advertising the scheme with a time limit; when was such invitation to submit schemes made by the Crown Agents, and how many schemes were sent in response to that invitation; what was the date when M. Novomeysky was informed that he had been granted the concession with Major Tulloch; and how much further delay is it anticipated will elapse before the terms of the concession can be made public?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)So far as I am aware, the first person to 2504 approach His Majesty's Government on the subject was Major Tulloch in January, 1918. Applications for a concession were invited by public notice in the newspapers in May, 1925, in order to give full publicity to the intention of the Government to grant such a concession and thus to secure the best possible terms. Four definite applications were received. On the 9th April, 1927, both Major Tulloch and Mr. Novomeysky were informed that the High Commissioner for Palestine agreed in principle to grant them a concession provided that suitable terms and conditions could be agreed upon and subject to their giving satisfactory financial guarantees. As regards the last part of the question, the terms of the concession are still being negotiated, and I cannot say how long the discussions are likely to take.
§ Colonel DAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the applications of the other four applicants were seriously considered?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREOh, yes; they were all most carefully compared and examined in detail.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether most of the opposition to this concession comes from the usual anti-Semitic sources?