HC Deb 05 April 1950 vol 473 cc1176-7
23. Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that, on the granting of a loan by His Majesty's Government of £3,000,000 recently to Iraq, part of the security for repayment was a charge on royalties for oil; what portion of this oil is expected to come through Haifa; and what steps he is taking in this respect.

Mr. Younger

Yes, Sir. As far as the second part of the Question is concerned, this depends on the reopening of the Haifa pipeline, and on this I have as yet nothing to add to the answer given on 20th March to the hon. Member for Paddington, South (Mr. De Chair).

Mr. Janner

Does not my hon. Friend realise that before loans of this kind are made, or before arms are supplied to Iraq, an arrangement should be made whereby at least the taxpayers of this country should benefit by the oil being allowed to come to Haifa? No such arrangement should be made unless and until we are sure it can be carried into effect.

Mr. Younger

This arrangement was thought, and is thought, to be in the interests of this country, and if we had attempted to lay down the conditions suggested it might not have been possible to enter into it.

Major Legge-Bourke

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that one of the biggest obstacles to the pipeline to Haifa being reopened has been the fact that the Israeli Government will not give an assurance to the Iraqi Government that oil will not be used for war purposes?