§ 39. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in connection with the discovery of petroleum in payable quantities in the neighbourhood of the Dead Sea in Palestine, any applications have been made to the Government for permission to exploit these areas; if so, whether by British or foreign concerns; and what has been the result of such application?
§ Dr. SHIELSI am not aware that petroleum has been discovered in payable quantities in the neighbourhood of the Dead Sea. I understand that in 1927 the Standard Oil Company, on behalf of whom investigations had been conducted, were granted permission to re-transfer to the original holders certain "permis de recherche" granted by the Turkish 21 Government before the War. I also understand that some investigations were made by the Anglo-Persian and associated companies, who did not consider the prospects sufficiently good to warrant expenditure on further exploration. As stated in the annual reports for the years in question, in 1928 two exploration permits were issued in respect of petroleum for areas round the south end of the Bead Sea; and in 1930 four exploration permits, in lieu of seven Ottoman "permis de recherche" were issued to the holders of Ottoman Concessions for petroleum and other minerals.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYCan the hon. Gentleman say whether, in this case again, the concession will be reserved for the Zionists alone, and that no one else need apply?