§ MR. SAMUEL SMITH (Flintshire)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that slavery in the New Hebrides still continues; that natives are sold to dealers like sheep at 1434 £6 to £10 on some of the trading vessels, and afterwards retailed according to the demand or the quality of the natives; and at some of the stations natives are placed in shackles because, as was alleged, they had not done sufficient work; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, WI have no information to the effect of the hon. Member's Question. If he can furnish me with any evidence of the existence of such a state of things, I will take action immediately against any British subjects concerned, but the New Hebrides are not British, I can, therefore, do no more. The right hon. Gentleman added: Since I came into the House the hon. Member has been good enough to send me an extract from a newspaper—it does not appear which—
§ MR. S. SMITHThe Melbourne Argus.
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAINThe extract is part of a letter signed "Henry Varley, San Francisco," who refers to an anonymous statement in The Melbourne Argus speaking of a report received from a recent visitor, also anonymous. The hon. Member will see that upon a statement of that kind—which is threefold anonymous—[laughter]—it is impossible for me to take any serious action. ["Hear, hear!"]