§ 2.40 p.m.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether through British mediation an agreement has been reached between the Federation of Arab Emirates in the Persian Gulf and the Government of Iran regarding the future of Abu Musa and neighbouring islands.]
§ THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIANMy Lords, I am glad to confirm that agreement has been reached between the Ruler of Sharjah and the Imperial Iranian Government, through the good offices of Her Majesty's Government, over future arrangements in respect of the Island of Abu Musa.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, is the Minister aware that I desire to congratulate the Government? May I ask whether he can inform us how far democratic institutions have been established in these territories, and how much of the oil wealth will pass to the benefit of the peoples there?
§ THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIANMy Lords, that is a rather wider question. I understand that details of the agreement which has been reached are to he announced by the Ruler some time today, and in the circumstances I feel that it would be better not to comment any further until that announcement has been made.