§ MR. REESI beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for India whether a quarter of the whole imports into Muscat consists of arms; whether most of these are imported from Belgium; and whether 570 the Brussels Conference has particular and precise instructions to deal with a traffic which directly promotes and prolongs warfare upon the north-west frontier of India.
§ SIR EDWARD GREYDuring last year the import of arms, etc., into Muscat exceeded one quarter of the whole imports. About 50 per cent. of the amounts imported came from Belgium. The annual trade report of Muscat, which will be ready for publication shortly, will contain the statistics on the subject. The matter is engaging the attention of the Conference now sitting at Brussels.
§ MR. REESHas the right hon. Gentleman any information with regard to the presence of a body of Afghans at Regan who receive and distribute these arms?
§ SIR EDWARD GREYI cannot reply to that without notice