Oil contracts in Iraq
From Mr Graham Hay Sir: I agree with Rod Liddle ('Blood, oil, tears and sweat', 29 March) that British contractors should have been allowed to bid for reconstruction in Iraq, but which company would he suggest to restore oil production — Railtrack? If he was to take an interest in the subject, he would find that North Sea oil has been developed over the last 30 years by US and French contractors (with British subcontractors and personnel).
There are only two companies in the world with the expertise and muscle to take on this job: Halliburton and the Societe de Prospection Electrique Schlumberger. Since I worked for the French group for 30 years, I have no love for Halliburton but, at the present time, I would be very surprised if the Bush administration would give the job to Schlumberger.
If Osama bin Laden wanted to drill an oil well, he would, of course, take the French group, but even then they would turn up with American equipment; there is none other apart from inferior, obsolete Soviet material.
Could I repeat my suggestion that if those writing for The Spectator wish to venture into technical territory, they should get out a bit and meet some engineers? Graham Hay Montgeron, France
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