§ Mr. MORRELLasked what is the nature of the proposals that are now being made for the building of a railway through Persia from Russia into India; whether the project has received either formally or informally the sanction or assent of His Majesty's Government; whether a société d'études representing Great Britain, France, and Russia has been formed to promote it, and, if so, who are the representatives of this country in that society; and whether this House will have an early opportunity of discussing the project?
§ Sir E. GREYAs regards the first three points in the hon. Member's question, I beg to refer him to the answer returned to the Noble Earl the Member for the Hornsey Division of Middlesex on the 19th ultimo, which dealt with these points. As regards the fourth point, the société d'études has not been finally constituted. As regards the last point, there is at this stage no urgency, but the question can, of course, be raised on any ordinary opportunity.
§ Mr. MORRELLHas the right hon. Gentleman any reason to believe that the Persian people or the Persian Government approve of this railway or desire it?
§ Sir E. GREYThe matter is not far enough advanced for us to be able to put forward any scheme before anybody. We do not even know it ourselves.