§ SIR JOHN KENNAWAY (Devonshire, Honiton)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies when he will be able to announce the formation of the Commission promised to inquire into the evil alleged to result from the sale of liquor to natives in Southern Nigeria, and the names of its component members; whether, in view of statements recently made by prominent officials in the Colony, a chairman will be sent out from this country to ensure fair and unprejudiced reception and consideration of the evidence to be taken by the Commission; what provision will be made for the representation of the Native Races and Liquor Traffic United Committee on the Commission; and whether it is understood to be the policy of His Majesty's Government to apply the same policy of restriction 266 of supply of liquors to natives in Nigeria as in South Africa.
§ COLONEL SEELYThe Secretary of State is awaiting a communication from the Governor, but I hope it will not be long before I am in a position to make a statement as to the composition of the proposed Committee. Such a statement will, of course, include a reference to any representation of the Native Races and Liquor Traffic United Committee. I am not clear as to the meaning of the reference to the statements of prominent officials in the Colony, but the appointment of a chairman is a matter for the Secretary of State, and I am authorised by him to say that he is disposed to concur in the suggestion of the right hon. Gentleman that, if possible, a chairman should be sent out from this country. His Majesty's Government will reserve any statement as to policy until they have the Report of the Committee.