HC Deb 30 January 1952 vol 495 cc179-80
30. Mr. Harold Davies

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what concessions have been granted by the Government of Barbados to the Gulf Oil Company of Pittsburg to prospect for oil; and how these prospecting rights compare with those granted to the British Union Oil Company.

Mr. Lyttelton

The British Union Oil Company received the first offer of prospecting rights over 55 per cent. of the Island with the first choice of area. The Company rejected the offer and broke off negotiations with the Barbados Government. The Gulf Oil Corporation subsequently took up rights over 50 per cent. of the Island.

I hope that the British Union Oil Company will apply for rights over the 50 per cent. of the Island which is still available for prospecting.

Mr. Davies

Am I to gather from the statement of the right hon. Gentleman that there has been no discrimination whatsoever against the British oil company?

Mr. Lyttelton

As I said in my answer, the oil company received the first offer of prospecting rights.

Mr. Bernard Braine

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the British company had been prospecting for oil for over 30 years, and had discovered oil, that conditions were offered to it and to the American company which were quite unacceptable to the British company, and that, after the British company had withdrawn, more favourable conditions were offered to the American company? Is he further aware that when I was in Barbados last year quite serious allegations were being made about this?

Mr. Lyttelton

These matters were not raised at all by the original Question. This goes into the past. I was asked what concessions had been granted to the Gulf Oil Company.

Mr. Braine

Will my right hon. Friend consider representations on the subject which I shall make to him?

Mr. Lyttelton

Certainly, Sir, but, as far as my information goes, the American company received the same offer as was made to the British company.