HC Deb 02 July 1928 vol 219 cc954-5
17. Captain FOXCROFT

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether His Majesty's Government has yet decided to whom the Dead Sea potash concession is to be granted?

Mr. AMERY

As I have already stated, it has been decided in principle to giant the concession to Major Tulloch and Mr. Novomeysky, provided that suitable terms and conditions can be agreed upon, and that they furnish satisfactory financial guarantees.

Captain FOXCROFT

Can my right hon. Friend say whether His Majesty's Government have ever had negotiations with any British syndicate, suitable financially or otherwise?

Mr. AMERY

Yes, the matter was open for tender, and several groups did apply, and this particular group was chosen.

Mr. HARDIE

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that, as a Government, it is better to keep this in their own hands in the interests of world peace and for the benefit of home industries?

Mr. AMERY

I doubt whether this kind of speculative industry could be run by the Government.

Colonel HOWARD-BURY

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this question has been going on for ten years, and that, meanwhile, the price of potash remains unnecessarily high owing to the German monopoly, and cannot he give a time limit to these concessionnaires?

Mr. AMERY

Yes, Sir. I am trying to expedite the matter as much as possible, but I must demur to the statement that this matter has been going on for ten years or anything like that time.

Mr. HARDIE

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that the best way to kill the speculative element he is talking about is for the Government to retain this matter in their own hands?

Mr. AMERY

It might kill the industry as well as the speculative element.

HON. MEMBERS

Why?

Mr. HARDIE

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain to this House in what way he can kill an industry by retaining what is fundamental?

Mr. MACLEAN

Has the right hon. Gentleman fixed a time limit for these particular individuals who have been offered the concession to give the satisfactory terms he has stated?

Mr. AMERY

As I have explained, I am anxious to expedite the matter as much as possible, but I must not be understood to imply that the difficulties remain entirely with the concessionnaires. We have had to consult the Palestine and Trans-Jordan Governments, and consider other problems as well.

Mr. STEPHEN

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether his colleagues in the Government are in agreement with him that this Government are not fit to run anything?

Mr. SPEAKER

That matter does not arise.