§ MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAYI beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether his attention has been called to the recent complaints regarding the sale of intoxicating liquors to the natives of the New Hebrides, and to the statement that some French steamers recently left Sydney, New 1562 South Wales, carrying large stores of liquor for those islands; and whether he will take adequate steps to safeguard the welfare of these people.
§ THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. CHURCHILL,) Manchester, N. W.The attention of His Majesty's Government has been called to complaints that a large quantity of spirits from French sources is still imported into the New Hebrides; and they are in communication with the French Government on the subject. They have, however, no information to the effect that intoxicating liquors are imported in any quantity from Sydney, either in British or French vessels; and by a proclamation of the 28th November last their exportation from the Commonwealth to the New Hebrides is prohibited, unless a permit has been first obtained from the Comptroller-General of Customs.
§ MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAYWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire if any liquors have not recently been imported into the New Hebrides from Sydney?
§ MR. CHURCHILLYes, Sir.