HC Deb 18 February 1887 vol 311 c43
SIR HENRY TYLER (Great Yarmouth)

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether he has recently received information regarding an increase of the Slave Trade from the Soudan and on the Red Sea Littoral; and, whether Her Majesty's Government are taking any steps in regard to that trade?

THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE (Sir JAMES FERGUSSON) (Manchester, N.E.)

The Slave Trade continues, notwithstanding all efforts to suppress it; but there is no reason to believe that it has recently increased. On the contrary, Her Majesty's Consul at Jeddah reports that he believes it to have decreased owing to the watchfulness of the British cruisers. The Consular and Naval officers are doing their best, and it is not believed that it is necessary to take further steps.