§ Sir R. THOMASasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the archæological importance of the sites of the ancient cities in Iraq, any precautions are observed by the Government of Iraq to guard them against pillage by native dealers in antiquities and other persons undertaking unauthorised excavation?
§ Mr. AMERYIn accordance with Article 14 of the Anglo-Iraq Treaty of the 10th October, 1922, the Iraq Government have promulgated an Antiquities Law which provides that there shall be no excavations for, dealings in or export of antiquities in Iraq except in accordance with a permit or licence issued by the competent Department of the Iraq Government. The Iraq Government have also recently concluded a provisional agreement with the Government of Syria with a view to the prevention of any illicit traffic in antiquities between Iraq and Syria.