§ MR. R. MCKENNA (Monmouth, N.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether, during the time he has held office, his attention has been called to the conditions under which a monopoly of the India rubber trade in a large district of the Protectorate of Lagos has been granted to the firm of Messrs. Swanzy; and, if so, would he state what these conditions are?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.said, I have heard that such a monopoly has been granted for a limited number of years by one of the Native Chiefs in the Protectorate but I have no official information on the subject, and have not heard what are the conditions of this concession. I am informed, however, by Mr. Swanzy that the statement that the indiarubber is paid for by liquor has no foundation.
§ MR. MCKENNAIs the right hon. gentleman aware that the indiarubber is paid for in bills of exchange and not in cash?
§ MR. JOSEPH CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir, I am assured by Mr. Swanzy it is paid for in cash.
§ * SIR C. DILKE (Gloucester, Forest of Dean)The right hon. Gentleman says the monopoly is granted by one of the Native Chiefs of the Protectorate. Does it come before the Government of the Protectorate?