§ 28. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what information he has received recently in respect of the slave trade in the Middle East; and to what extent ships of the British Navy still patrol in that area in order to intercept vessels which may be engaged in this traffic.
§ Mr. Ormsby-GoreHer Majesty's Government have had no recent evidence concerning the slave trade in the Middle East. The arrangements for the interception and search by the Royal Navy of craft suspected of engaging in the slave trade remain as described in my right hon. and learned Friend's reply of 2nd July, 1958. Her Majesty's ships passing through the Red Sea or stationed in the Persian Gulf have general instructions to search craft suspected of carrying slaves.