§ 1. Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Secretary of State for India whether any special steps are being taken to encourage British trade with Chinese Turkestan; and whether he will consider the opening of the Gilgit route as a trade route?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Wedgwood Benn)The British Consular Officers at Kashgar do what is possible to encourage British trade with Sinkiang. The Gilgit route is not, so far as I am aware, closed to traders, but its natural difficulties are considerable.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is only by special leave that they can go along this road, and cannot he see that it is made more practicable, as it is much easier?
§ Mr. BENNThe hon. and gallant Gentleman knows much more about this part of the world than I do. I did not know special leave was required. I will ask about it.