§ SIR GEORGE CAMPBELL (Kirkcaldy, &c.)asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether an opportunity will be given to Parliament of expressing an opinion before Her Majesty is advised to assume Sovereignty in New Guinea, and to hand the control over the administration of the portion of New Guinea thus appropriated to the Government of Queensland, subject to certain reservations?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir HENRY HOLLAND) (Hampstead)Her Majesty's Government have agreed that upon the passing of a Bill by the Queens-land Legislature, the terms of which will be found at pages 209 and 210 of the Appendix to the Colonial Conference, Her Majesty will be advised to assume Sovereignty over the present Protectorate. It is believed that the Bill will shortly be passed, but the date is not known. It is considered important, in the interest of the Natives, that there should be no delay in declaring Sovereignty after the Bill has passed. Although no special day can be given for a discussion upon this subject, there are, as the hon. Member knows, opportunities upon which he can raise the question before Parliament rises. No formal sanction of Parliament is required before Sovereignty is proclaimed; but a Tote will have to be taken in due course of time for the steam vessel and its maintenance.