§ Sir R. BLADESasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies why public tenders were not invited for the supply of oil fuel for the railways in Iraq; and whether any effort whatever has been made to secure supplies from any other quarter before deciding that no further reduction can be expected?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThe negotiations for the supply of oil fuel for the Iraq railways have been conducted in Bagdad, though His Majesty's Government have been able to arrange for a reduction in the price recently by action in London. The High Commissioner will be asked to report whether any alternative source of supply has been considered or is available.