§ MR. SYDNEY GEDGE (Stockport)asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether there is any truth in the rumour that the Government are negotiating with the Turkish authorities of Yemen for the surrender to them of Dhala, and the mountain district of which it is the centre, and to put an end to the British Protectorate which has existed for nearly 50 years to the great benefit of the Native population; and, whether the Government are aware that Dhala and its vicinity are well fitted to be a sanatorium for the British inhabitants of Aden, being 4,000 feet above the sea, having a beautiful and healthy climate, and being easily accessible from Aden?
§ THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Man-180 chester, N.E.) There is no truth in the rumour.