§ Mr. A. HERBERTasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the Shia inhabitants of Bahrein are receiving adequate protection from the tribesmen of the mainland?
§ Earl WINTERTONI have been asked to answer this question. So far as the British Government is concerned, all possible steps are taken to secure peace and justice for all communities in Bahrein, without distinction of race or religion, and there is every reason to hope that under the measures of reform recently introduced in the island these benefits will be secured to Shias as to others.
§ Mr. A. HERBERTasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the system of pearl-diving at Bahrein has in recent years been improved from the point of view of the workers?
§ Earl WINTERTONI have been asked to answer this question. I am afraid that I have no recent detailed information as to the methods employed in the actual diving operations, if it is to those that the hon. Member refers. But the whole question of the conditions of employment of these divers has been constantly kept in view by the British Political Officers concerned, and it is hoped that measures for the removel of abuses which have been impracticable hitherto may be found possible under the new régime recently instituted.