§ MR. SAMUEL SMITHI beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that it is reported that the British East African Company purposes introducing the Indian Abkari (Excise) system in Eastern Africa; and whether, in view of the condemnation of that system in India by this House last Session, the Government will interfere to prevent such a course being adopted?
§ * SIR J. FERGUSSONWe are not aware of the report referred to by the hon. Member, but the policy of Her Majesty's Government, in conjunction with that of other Powers, is to check and restrain the importation of ardent spirits among the natives of Africa.