§ MR. H. J. TENNANT (Berwickshire)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether large cargoes of wine, beer, and whisky have been landed by French traders on Ambrym and Aoba, islands in the New Hebrides; whether trading in intoxicating liquor is permitted under the Convention; and, if not, what steps His Majesty's Government propose to take.
§ COLONEL SEELYThe High Commissioner for the Western Pacific, of whom inquiry has been made by telegram, replies that he has no information as to the report mentioned in the first part of the hon. Member's Question, but thinks it incorrect in view of the regulation prohibiting the importation into the New Hebrides of any liquor containing alcohol and used for trade except with the joint permission of the British and French Resident Commissioners. The High Commissioner will inquire fully into the matter during his visit to the New Hebrides, for which he is starting on Thursday next.