§ 7. Mr. THURTLEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that in the course of the trial of the slavery case tried at Karachi on 10th October the prevalence of slave-dealing in the Persian Gulf was made manifest; and if he will state what steps the Government are taking in the matter?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINHis Majesty's Government maintain a naval detachment in the Persian Gulf, one of whose duties is to do whatever may be possible to prevent slave-dealing in that region, but in spite of this measure it is not in their power to abolish the traffic altogether. I have no information which would lead me to suppose that there has of late been any increase in this odious traffic, but I am glad the hon. Member has called my attention to this trial, and I will make inquiries into the situation.
§ Mr. HARRISDo other nations co-operate by naval action in controlling this traffic?
§ Sir A. CHAMBERLAINI should like to have notice of that question.