§ 10. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there have been any further developments with regard to the Dead Sea salts concessions?
§ Mr. AMERYThe results of the negotiations with Major Tulloch and Mr. Novomeysky are still under examination by the Palestine and Transjordan Governments.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that eight years have lapsed since this question was taken up in practical form, and that the action he is taking is against the interests of 90 per cent. of the inhabitants of Transjordan and Palestine?
§ 12. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any of the groups of applicants for the Dead Sea concession were officially required to state their financial backing or financial guarantees, or both, at any stage before or during the examination for the final tenders sent in, and before any selection in principle was arrived at; and whether any group was passed over on the ground, officially stated, of insufficient financial backing?
§ Mr. AMERYYes, Sir. At a time when the terms offered in one of the applications was thought to be the most favourable to the Palestine and Transjordan Governments of those which had then been submitted, the group which had made that application was asked by the Crown Agents to discuss the matter further with a view to clearing up certain doubtful points, including questions of finance, arising out of its application. The financial guarantees arranged by this group were subsequently withdrawn and its application was, in consequence, not accepted.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYHas the right hon. Gentleman any satisfactory financial guarantees?
§ Mr. AMERYWhen I have satisfactory guarantees and satisfactory conditions, a contract will be made.
Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLWill the right hon. Gentleman take care to satisfy himself that there shall be no subletting of this contract and that those with whom he makes the contract have satisfactory financial backing?
§ Mr. THURTLEAre we to understand that the final authority in these matters then, is himself, and not the Palestine Government?
§ Mr. AMERYThe position is the same as in the case of any Colonial administration. The matter is one, in the first instance, for the local Government to decide. The local Government act under the general supervision and control of this House.
Sir F. HALLCan my right hon. Friend say whether, if an English group come along; and being satisfied that they are in a financial position to put up the necessary money, he will be prepared to make an agreement with them?
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYCan my right hon. Friend say how long he is prepared to endure this state of delay, and is he aware that all this delay is playing into the hands of certain Central European interests?
§ Mr. AMERYNo, Sir. I am not aware of the last fact, and I certainly wish to terminate the negotiations as soon as possible. I think I have explained to the House before that the tender of Major Tulloch and Mr. Novomeysky was accepted at the time that the tenders were issued. Therefore, if they can provide satisfactory guarantees in every respect as to the manner of working, they will, naturally, have a prior claim over anyone who did not tender at the time.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs it not the case that Major Tulloch gave a power of attorney to Mr. Novomeysky to do what he liked?