HC Deb 05 May 1948 vol 450 cc1235-6
6. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any statement to make about the maintenance of oil supplies and the protection of the pipeline and refinery at Haifa.

Mr. Rees-Williams

I have nothing to add to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on 21st April, in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Swindon (Mr. T. Reid).

Mr. Chetwynd

Are any plans being made to safeguard this vital supply after 15th May?

Mr. Rees-Williams

While the military are in occupation of that part of Palestine their mere presence there, of course, will in itself to some extent safeguard the refineries. Apart from that, no plans have been made.

Mr. Thomas Reid

Are an., arrangements being made to keep the pipe flowing to Tripolis in Syria?

Mr. Rees-Williams

Not that I am aware of, after the end of the Mandate.