HC Deb 19 February 1907 vol 169 cc708-9
*MR. REES

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs ‡See (4) Debates, clxvi., 1550. whether he can make any statement to the House regarding the internationalisation of the Baghdad Railway or the participation of Great Britain in the further progress of the line, more particularly of the Gulf section.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir EDWARD Grey, Northumberland, Berwick)

The Answer is in the negative. I have no statement to make.

*MR. REES

Has the question of the 3 per cent. increase been settled?

SIR EDWARD GREY

The 3 per cent. increase has not yet been agreed to. The negotiations are in an advanced stage.

MR. BOWLES (Lambeth, Norwood)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government have recently entered into negotiations with any foreign Government with a view to the construction of the Baghdad Railway; and whether any Papers on the subject can be laid upon the Table.

SIR EDWARD GREY

The answer to both Questions is in the negative.