§ SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucestershire, Forest of Dean)To ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will explain the recent appointment of a Resident to the New Hebrides; whether it has been made under agreement with France; and how the salary of the Resident is to be borne.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Chamberlain.) The appointment was found necessary in view of the increasing influx of British subjects into the group, and the frequent difficulties arising in connection with lard claims and the labour question. As the Joint Naval Commission is only in the Islands during a brief period every year, it was desirable to make provision for giving the British residents the facilities and assistance which could only be afforded by the presence of a permanent officer.
1115 There has been no agreement with France as to this appointment, but the French Government had previously appointed an officer with similar functions. The salary of the Resident Deputy Commissioner is provided on the Colonial Services Vote.
§ SIR CHARLES DILKETo ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangement has been made with regard to the salary of the newly-appointed British Resident of the New Hebrides.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Chamberlain.) The salary of the newly-appointed Resident Deputy Commissioner in the New Hebrides has been fixed at £700 per annum with residence. It is paid from the Colonial Services Vote. As the officer appointed draws naval half-pay to the amount of £400 per annum, a deduction of £100 has been made from the salary in accordance with the rules under the Superannuation Act.