§ 55. Captain REDMONDasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the best steamers hitherto used by the Government in the Persian Gulf and the River Tigris have been sold by private negotiations, to the exclusion of many traders who were awaiting the opportunity of bidding for them at a public auction; whether he will disclose the names of the group who purchased the steamers from the Government; and what steps he will take to ensure a fair competitive basis for obtaining transport facilities in the area described?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODThis question has been referred to the India Office.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREMay I ask why the India Office should answer this question?