SIR GILBERT PARKERI beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the general character and extent of the preference enjoyed by German over British traders in Bagdad by reason of freights; and whether any steps are being taken to remove the disabilities under which British traders labour.
§ MR. RUNCIMANThe extension of the Hamburg-American line to the Persian Gulf has brought down the rate of freights to Europe during the past year, but my right hon. friend is not aware of any preference against British traders. If the hon. Member will give some further particulars as to what preference is referred to, inquiries will be made regarding it.