§ 6. Sir GEORGE SCOTT ROBERTSONasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any reduction of our naval strength in the Persian Gulf is contemplated in view of the agreement which has lately been come to with France concerning the gun traffic of Muscat?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo reduction is at present proposed, but the situation is being closely watched with a view to such 1164 modifications of the arrangements now in force as the altered conditions may require or justify.
§ Sir G. SCOTT ROBERTSONHas the right hon. Gentleman had any reports of attacks upon British ships by pirates?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNo, Sir; I have not received any. The India Office is much concerned in this subject, and, perhaps the question ought to be addressed to them.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that two British ships were raided in the Persian Gulf by pirates not long since?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am not personally aware of it.
§ Colonel YATEIs anything being done to arm vessels of the Indian Marine in the Persian Gulf?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI could not answer that without notice.