asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, according to the investigations made in 1923 into the mineral resources of the Dead Sea by the geological advisers to the Government of Palestine, the amount of magnesium chloride available was estimated at 22,000,000,000 metric tons which, together with other salts, at the then ruling prices, amounted to a value of £240,000,000,000; and why these resources have not been developed.

I am making inquiries of the High Commissioner for Palestine and will communicate with my hon. Friend when I have his reply.