§ MR. ARMITAGETo ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what regulations are in force in East Africa in regard to the importation and sale of alcoholic liquors.
§ (Answered by Mr. Churchill.) East Africa lies within the liquor traffic zone defined by the general Act of the Brussels Conference 1889–90, and the importation of alcoholic liquors is regulated in accordance with the provisions of that Act and the subsequent International Conventions dealing with the subject, namely, those signed at Brussels in 1899 and 1906. By the latter Convention, which has not yet been finally ratified by all the signatory Powers, it has been agreed that the minimum duty on imported spirits shall be fixed at about 3s. 8d. per gallon for a strength of 12½ degrees below "proof." The sale of alcoholic liquor is regulated by the local ordinances and rules, of which copies are enclosed for perusal and return.