§ MR. ASHLEY (Lancashire, Blackpool)I beg to ask the Secretary of 916 State for Foreign Affairs if the practice of selling slaves in the public market still continues in Morocco City; and, if so, will His Majesty's Representatives at the Algeciras Conference receive instructions to bring this matter before the delegates, with a view to combined action for its immediate abolition.
§ MR. RUNCIMANHis Majesty's Government have no recent reports from Morocco City. The appointment of a British Consular Officer in that capital is under consideration. Meanwhile, the British delegate at Algeciras was instructed some time ago to take an opportunity—which it is hoped will shortly present itself—of bringing the question of slavery before the Conference with the view to a collective expression of opinion being obtained from the representatives of all the treaty Powers. His Majesty's Government feel confident that this course will offer the best means of making the desired impression on the Sultan.