HC Deb 17 December 1956 vol 562 c110W
21. Mr. P. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the situation in Kuwait.

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

Between 10.00 p.m. on 10th December and 2.00 a.m. on 11th December nine explosions occurred among oil installations belonging to the Kuwait Oil Company. As the hon. Members knows, the company is owned half by British and half by American interests. The explosions occurred at three oil wells, in the area of an underwater pipe line and on a gas pipe line to the town of Kuwait. There were no casualties and damage was minor except in the case of one well at Ahmadi where the fire was extinguished on 14th December. The effect on oil production in Kuwait has been negligible. This almost wholly unsuccessful sabotage was carried out under cover of very stormy weather conditions and my right hon. and learned Friend continues to have full confidence in the ability of the Kuwait authorities to protect oil installations.

Forward to