§ 2. Mr. D. GRENFELLasked the Secretary of State for India whether he can give any particulars regarding the in juries and loss of life suffered by a number of women and children at Bahrein, in the Persian Gulf, on 14th April; and, seeing that the indirect cause of the trouble was the poverty of the population, will he say whether any steps are being taken to establish better economic conditions in the island?
§ Sir S. HOAREI am sending the hon. Member a summary of the report received on this incident, which was the consequence of a panic in a crowded passage-way at a distribution of alms by a local merchant and a full account of which appeared in the Press at the time. Economic conditions in Bahrein have been adversely affected by the falling off 17 in the pearl trade, but I cannot accept the suggestion in the latter part of the hon. Member's question that this un fortunate incident is the result of them.
§ Mr. GRENFELLIs this not the last of a number of such cases in the past few years, and cannot the right hon. Gentleman take some steps to ensure the safety of these people when they assemble for that purpose?
§ Sir S. HOAREThe hon. Member seems to forget that Bahrein is an independent State. I can give him information on the subject, but we have no right to intervene in the matter.
§ Mr. LOGANCannot the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Government of Bahrein on the matter?
§ Sir S. HOAREIf the hon. Member can get the price of pearls put up, I am sure every one in the Persian Gulf will be very thankful to him.
§ Mr. LOGANIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the price of pearls is very much put up, and that even the synthetic pearl has not put them off the market? I would not mind discussing pearls with the right hon. Gentleman.
§ Sir S. HOAREI shall be very glad to accept the hon. Gentleman's offer.