HC Deb 15 May 1950 vol 475 cc834-5
20. Mr. John Lewis

asked the Minister of Fuel and Power the value of the contracts held by British manufacturers which have been cancelled because of the inability of Middle East Pipelines, Limited, to secure wayleave rights from the Government of Iraq; and, in view of the serious effects of this cancellation, both to the main contractors and the subcontractors, if he will arrange for reconsideration of the decision to postpone construction of the pipeline until the autumn of this year and make the necessary representations in order to secure these wayleave rights.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

I understand that Middle East Pipelines, Limited, have cancelled no contracts with the main contractors; but my hon. Friend will appreciate that I have no information about what the main contractors may have done with their sub-contractors. Middle East Pipelines must themselves decide if and when they will proceed with their plans; I regret that it does not lie with me to do what he asks.

Mr. Lewis

Is my right hon. Friend aware that when last month Harland and Wolff of Belfast notified sub-contractors in my constituency and elsewhere that all work was to be suspended they asked for details of the storage charges on the assumption that work would be resumed in October, 1953? Surely Middle East Pipelines must have advised their subcontractors that they did not anticipate that they would be able to resume before that date?

Mr. Noel-Baker

I suppose that they must consider the political conditions of the region. I have no information other than that I understood that it had been postponed for a year, that is, from the autumn of last year until the autumn of 1950. I shall be glad to consider any information which my hon. Friend sends me.