§ Sir G. Jeffreysasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether it is intended to carry out tests for the existence of oil in the Dead Sea area with a view to developing it immediately for the benefit of the Allied forces and irrespective of any development rights acquired prior to the war by any British or foreign interests?
Major Lloyd GeorgeNo, Sir. In present circumstances it is considered that the materials, manpower and expenditure which would be involved in a test of the Dead Sea area can be better utilised in the interests of the war effort in fields already producing oil.