§ MR. J. F. HOGAN (Tipperary, Mid)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the future of the New Hebrides has formed or will form a subject of consultation with the Australasian Premiers during their stay in London; and, whether he is aware that the Australian Colonies are strongly and unanimously of opinion that this important and valuable group of islands, so close to their shores, should be saved from the threatened danger of a permanent foreign occupation?
MR. CHAMBERLAINIt has been resolved that the interchange of views with the Australasian Premiers with 1362 regard to the future of the New Hebrides should be confidential, and I am not able to make any statement at present as to the subjects discussed. The position of the New Hebrides has had the careful attention of Her Majesty's Government for sonic time past.