§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received any official reports of recent disturbances and fighting in the New Hebrides; and, if so, what steps he is taking to restore order?
Mr. HARCOURTI have no official information as to the disturbances in the New Hebrides recently reported in the Press, and I have no reason to suppose that the two resident commissioners will need any assistance to enable them to restore order.
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received any report as to the sale of intoxicating liquor and arms and ammunition to the natives of the New Hebrides prohibited by Articles LVII. and LIX. of the Convention of 1996; and whether he will take the necessary steps to have the regulations of the Convention respected?
Mr. HARCOURTA new joint regulation to prevent the consumption of alcoholic liquor by natives in the New Hebrides has just reached me, and the covering despatch from the High Commissioner intimates that he may possibly be able, at a future date, to suggest further safeguards. I am asking him to report fully upon these questions as soon as he is able to visit the New Hebrides.
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYDoes that also refer to arms and ammunition: they are part of my question?
Mr. HARCOURTI am afraid I have omitted to notice that my reply was especially with reference to the alcoholic liquors.
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYWill the right hon. Gentleman make further inquiries?