§ MR. T. HART-DAVIES (Hackney, N)To ask the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the fact that the expenses of the Newcomen Trade Mission to the south-east of Persia have been defrayed mainly by Mr. Newcomen himself; and whether, considering the importance of this mission to the trade of India he will consider the advisability of granting Government assistance.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Morley.) According to the information in my possession, the Government of India paid the travelling expenses of the delegates to Bunder Abbas and back. They also provided transport in Persia free of charge and suitable tents, camp furniture, horses, 1521 etc., on a liberal scale, as well as medical attendance and an escort. More than this could hardly be expected; and I am not prepared, as at present advised, to recommend the grant of any further assistance.