§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any information as to the sale of arms and intoxicating liquor in the New Hebrides; and whether these islands are, by his latest reports, in a satisfactory condition?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)I can only say in answer to the hon. Member that the sale of arms and intoxicating liquors in the New Hebrides and the general condition of the islands are the subject of constant attention and much correspondence. I am awaiting a report by the High Commissioner when he has visited the islands which will probably be towards the end of the year.
Sir GILBERT PARKERArising out of the answer, may I ask him if it is not the case that England and France both impose different regulations concerning arms and liquor in the New Hebrides, and does he not think it wise for the British Government to approach France with a view of making an arrangement whereby a uniformity of regulations should be established?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI think notice ought to be given of important questions of that kind. The right hon. Gentleman cannot undertake to answer questions regarding communications with foreign governments without notice.
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYMay I press the right hon. Gentleman for an answer to the last part of my question if there is no objection to it: "Whether these islands are, by his latest reports, in a satisfactory condition?"
§ Mr. HARCOURTIt is very difficult to define what the word "satisfactory" means.