asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the importance, particularly for agriculture, of the deposits of potash and bromine in and around the Dead Sea to the British Empire, he will take steps to obtain financial control of whatever company is formed to work these deposits, as in the case of the Anglo-Persian Oil Company?

I have nothing to add to the answer given on the 30th November by the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies in reply to a similar question addressed to the Prime Minister.

Could not the right hon. Gentleman be as far-seeing in this case as those who took shares in the Anglo-Persian Oil Company or in the Suez Canal, which have brought a good deal of money to his Department, besides ensuring an independent supply of oil for the Navy, and will he not similarly secure an independent supply of potash for the Empire?

This matter was fully dealt with by the Under-Secretary of State on the 30th November, and it is his Department to which questions dealing with these details should be referred.

Have not questions been put to the Treasury also?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that financial control does not necessarily mean that these fertilsers will be brought to this country, and will he, therefore, see that that end is assured in any concession that may be granted?

That is a rather different question.