§ 11. Captain PETER MACDONALDasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies at what date the pipe-lines to the coast from the oilfields in Iraq will be ready; and on what date it is expected that these pipe-lines will be in operation?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)The Iraq Petroleum Company have been carrying out a survey of the pipe-line routes and I understand that arrangements for laying the pipe-lines are proceeding. I have no information at present as to the date on which the pipe-lines are likely to be ready or in operation, but it is provided in the agreement between the Iraqi Government and the Iraq Petroleum Company of the 24th March, 1931, that the pipe-line system shall be completed by the 31st December, 1935.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the pipe line will be finished first to the English port of Haifa, or to the French port of Beyrout?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI should like to have notice of that question.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODAre they both under the same contract?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am afraid I cannot carry in my head the details of the contract. Perhaps the right hon. and gallant Gentleman will give me notice.