HC Deb 29 March 1897 vol 47 cc1555-6
MR. CHARLES BILL (Staffordshire, Leek)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether under the new arrangements for the better government of Norfolk Island provision has been made for the appointment of a chaplain; and if so, whether one has been appointed, and with what salary?

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

I have no recent information on this subject, but I have reason to believe that the Governor of New South Wales does not contemplate the appointment of another chaplain for Norfolk Island, and that other arrangements will be made for the spiritual requirements of the community.

SIR WILFRID LAWSON (Cumberland, Cockermouth)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, under the rules regulating the new system of government in Norfolk Island, the chief magistrate is empowered to grant permits for the sale of beer, wine or spirituous liquor, to such persons as he may think fit, in place of the total prohibition of liquor selling which has hitherto prevailed in the island?

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

It will be seen from pages 40 and 41 of the Blue-hook that the regulations respecting beer, wine or spirituous liquor only apply to the keeping of these commodities, and I have no reason to suppose that it is in contemplation to issue permits for their sale.