§ MR. LONSDALE (Armagh, Mid.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that, after the signing of the New Hebrides Convention, Australian shippers engaged in the island trade immediately at the 33 request of the Imperial authorities observed its commercial restrictions, and that as a consequence French and German vessels have absorbed the trade in firearms and spirits, to the detriment of British trade generally; and whether he will take steps to obtain the immediate proclamation of the Convention, or the prohibition of the traffic in arms and spirits by France.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. RUNCIMAN,for Sir EDWARD GREY) Dewsbury;Representations have been made to the French Government with a view to the suppression of the traffic in arms and spirits in the New Hebrides. These representations are receiving the careful consideration of the French authorities, but my right hon. friend has not yet received their reply. Some time must of necessity elapse before the proclamation of the Convention can take place.