Sir G. PARKERasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there is a common agreement between the English and the French Governments to the effect that regulations controlling recruiting and other matters in the New Hebrides under the Convention of last year shall be jointly arranged, though each Government shall issue its own regulations to its Commissioner based on the jointly devised regulations; and what course could be pursued by either Government if there were laxity in carrying out the regulations on the part of the representatives of either Government?
§ Sir E. GREYI am asked to answer these questions. There is no definite understanding between His Majesty's Government and the French Government of the nature referred to by the hon. Member, but the resident Commissioners of the two Governments in the New Hebrides are, of course, in close touch with each other, and, as a matter of administrative convenience, assimilate, as far as possible, the regulations which they issue. If there were laxity in carrying out joint regulations on the part of one Government, the other Government would, no doubt, enter into communications on the subject.
Sir G. PARKERMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if this House did not understand two years ago, when discussion arose on this subject, that the two Governments would be agreed in their policy.
§ Mr. SPEAKERHow can the right hon. Gentleman say what the House understood?
Sir G. PARKERasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to allegations lately made in France as to the importation of women and girls from the New Hebrides into New Caledonia for immoral purposes, and contrary to the Convention of last year; and will the attention of the French authorities be called to the matter by this Government?
§ Sir E. GREYI have not seen such allegations. If, as I gather from the question, they come from a French source and have been made in France, it is obviously not for me but for the French, who have the information, to put it at the disposal of the French Government. If the hon. Member can supply me with any substantial allegations, I will refer them to the Consul on the spot for inquiry into the facts.