§ Captain CROOKSHANKasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Turkish Petroleum Company is developing the oilfields of Mosul; whether it is paying any royalties to the Iraq Government; and, if so, whether any accrues to the benefit of His Majesty's Government?
§ Dr. SHIELSWith regard to the first two parts of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Leeds, North, on 14th April. I understand that the Iraq Petroleum Company are at present engaged in testing and proving the extent of the Iraq oilfields, and in general preparing for the stage of commercial development which has not yet been reached. No part of the royalties payable by the company under their Convention with the Iraq Government will accrue to the benefit of His Majesty's Government.