§ 31. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how far there is international co-operation in preventing the slave trade in the Red Sea; and whether the use of seaplanes or flying boats has been considered for this service?
§ 36. Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what nations in addition to Great Britain provide practical assistance towards the prevention of slave traffic in the Red Sea; and during how many months per year on the average since 1928 has more than one British sloop been present in Red Sea waters for this purpose?
§ Mr. DALTONA considerable measure of co-operation has already been established between His Majesty's Government and the French and Italian Governments. In addition to the British 1742 patrol, a French and an Italian warship are regularly stationed in the Red Sea. The British officials in the neighbouring territories meet their French and Italian colleagues from time to time and exchange information regarding the slave traffic across the Red Sea and the steps which are being taken to prevent it. The officers commanding His Majesty's sloops in the Red Sea also from time to time visit the ports in French and Italian territories in order to keep in touch with the local authorities. It is proposed to experiment shortly in the use of float planes. During 1929 and 1930, two British sloops were present in Red Sea waters for approximately five months in each year.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill my hon. Friend look into the question of using, not float seaplanes, but, in view of the very bad weather which sometimes prevails there, large flying boats such as those which have done such admirable work on patrol?
§ Mr. DALTONI think that, perhaps, that question had better be addressed to the Admiralty, who have experts who can advise as to the Suitability of different craft for this purpose.
§ Mr. DALTONThe hon. and gallant Member may or may not be aware that Russia has no boundary on the Red Sea.
§ Mr. SPEAKERCaptain Bullock.