Mr. MALONEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British Ministers in Persia or other places have any responsibility in regard to antique excavations; and whether they are allowed to carry out excavations for their personal benefit?
Mr. HARMSWORTHA monopoly for excavating in Persia was conferred by a former Shah on the French Government, but I have no information as to whether it is still regarded as being in operation. The answer to the second question is in the negative.