HC Deb 17 February 1954 vol 523 cc1966-7
16. Mr. Philips Price

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations he has made to the United States of America in order to secure Anglo-American co-operation in the finding of markets for Persian oil.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

None, Sir. Her Majesty's Government and the United States Government are continuing to co-operate closely over the Persian problem, and there has been no need for representations on this subject.

Sir H. Williams

Why all this emphasis on co-operation with the United States, having regard to the fact that it was their conspiracy which led to the trouble at Abadan?

Mr. Lloyd

I certainly cannot accept what my hon. Friend says.

24. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the negotiations for the marketing of Persian oil and the restarting of the refinery at Abadan.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

I have nothing yet to add to my answer to the right hon. and learned Gentleman the Member for Rowley Regis and Tipton (Mr. A. Henderson) on 10th February, except that the joint survey mission is now in Persia.

Mr. Grimond

As the Government are the principal shareholders in the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, can the Minister of State tell us what instructions have been sent or what views have been put forward by the company about the proportions in this consortium, and what percentage will be Anglo-Iranian?

Mr. Lloyd

I do not think it would be in the public interest for me to make any such disclosure at the present time.