PERSIAN OIL DISCUSSIONS

HC Deb 07 April 1954 vol 526 c335

6. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the negotiations over Persian oil.

Mr. Eden

Good progress is being made with the discussions in London and I expect that a delegation from the Consortium of die oil companies will leave for Teheran very shortly.

Mr. Grimond

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these concessions cover the refinery, and, if not, what the position is with regard to it?

Mr. Eden

There have been no negotiations as yet with the Persian Government. There have been arrangements between the companies concerned, and preliminary arrangements must be made, but all the negotiations themselves take place in Teheran.