asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any official information regarding an attack upon a British survey party at Teheran; and whether any further disturbances have taken place in the Bunder Abbas district?

Mr. Nunn and his surveying party were in some danger from parties of raiders, but arrived safely at Bunder Abbas on or before the 14th instant. His Majesty's Minister at Teheran reported in a telegram dated the 17th instant that the raiders—previously estimated at 300 strong—attacked Bunder Abbas on the 16th instant and further hostilities were anticipated. British subjects have been invited to take shelter at the Vice-Consulate. The guard at the Vice-Consulate has been reinforced and Maxim guns landed. Two of His Majesty's ships are on the spot and, according to the last report, the situation has improved.

May I ask how long is this state of anarchy to be allowed?

That is a question I could not go into. I do not admit the fact.

Will the hon. Gentleman take an early opportunity to make a statement on the subject?

I had a recent opportunity of dealing with the question about a month ago.