HC Deb 07 March 1911 vol 22 cc1005-6
Colonel YATE

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, considering that the Baghdad-Khanikin trade route was the only route of entry into Persia, not only for British but for all Indian goods that were too heavy or too bulky for mule or camel transport, he would take special steps to secure the interests of Great Britain and of India in the proposed branch line from Sadijeh, some 30 miles to the north of the town of Baghdad, to Khanikin on the Persian frontier, and to protect British and Indian trade from the effects of rebates or preferential rates or any other form of unfair competition that may possibly be brought in by other countries?

Sir E. GREY

I am aware that the route indicated is an important artery for British-Indian trade with the portion of Persia concerned. I would refer the hon. Member to Article 24 of the "Cahier des Charges" attached to the Bagdad Railway Convention of March, 1903, which stipulates that all tariff's, whether general, special, proportional, or differential, shall be applied to all passengers and consigners of goods without distinction. The Article further provides that all such tariffs must receive the approval of the Ottoman Government, who are bound to prohibit all adverse treatment of British subjects in matters of commerce. His Majesty's Government will, of course, take steps if they are required to claim that the stipulations for fair treatment should be observed.

Mr. LLOYD

Does the right hon. Baronet consider that the paragraph in question prevents the imposition of preferential rates?

Sir E. GREY

Perhaps the hon. Member will give me notice of the question. The answer seems to be sufficient.