HC Deb 18 February 1959 vol 600 cc352-3
21. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what discussions have been held with the Government of Israel in regard to co-operating with that Government in constructing an oil pipeline from the Gulf of Aqaba large enough to permit the full-scale operation of the oil refinery at Haifa.

Mr. R. Allan

None, Sir.

Mr. Johnson

Would my hon. Friend agree that we ought to take every possible step to safeguard our oil supplies in the event of emergency, and would not the construction of such a pipeline not only achieve this but be a great advantage to this country, to Israel and to the whole of Western Europe?

Mr. Allan

I understand that the Government of Israel are interested in constructing this pipeline. They have not made any approach to us for Governmental help on it.

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