HC Deb 25 January 1954 vol 522 cc1440-1
17. Mr. Wyatt

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the negotiations between Her Majesty's Government and the Persian Government with regard to British oil interests in Persia.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

Our discussions on this matter with the Persian Government are continuing favourably but are still at a preliminary stage. I think that their progress, which we earnestly desire, would be hindered rather than helped by public statements from either side at the present time.