HC Deb 04 October 1909 vol 11 cc1642-3
Mr. CATHCART WASON

asked the Under-Secretary for the Colonies if he can state whether negotiations are in progress between the Governments of South Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and the Gold Coast and the French and German West African Governments with reference to a joint agreement on the question of the imports of spirituous liquors; and, if so, whether the said negotiations have some prospect of success?

Colonel SEELY

Negotiations of the nature described are in progress between the Governments of Southern Nigeria and Dahomey, and between those of the Gold Coast and Togoland, but it is not possible at present to estimate the prospects of success. Any agreement arrived at locally would, of course, have no effect until it had been submitted to, and ratified by, the respective Governments in Europe.

Sir GILBERT PARKER

Has the Government committed itself to a policy against the prohibition of the importation of liquor for the natives of Nigeria and the Gold Coast?

Colonel SEELY

I do not quite understand the hon. Member's question, or how it arises out of the question on the Paper.

Sir GILBERT PARKER

Does it not properly arise out of the question on the Paper? My question is, whether the Government has committed itself to a policy against the prohibition of the importation of liquor for sale to the natives of these two provinces?

Colonel SEELY

Certainly the hon. Member's question does not arise specifically out of the question on the Paper, which is whether negotiations are in progress between the Governments with reference to a joint agreement on the question of the imports of spirituous liquors. It is impossible to answer a question of that kind put as a supplementary question. If I did answer it the hon. Gentleman would be the first to catch me up if I made a slip.

Sir GILBERT PARKER

Is the policy of the Government, by means of negotiations, such as those shown in the question, to work towards the policy of prohibition?

Colonel SEELY

Yes, Sir. I can assure the hon. Member I am only too anxious to give all the information I can. It is the intention of the Government to co-operate with other Governments to check the importation of liquor to the natives.