2. Sir GILBERT PARKERasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether complaints and protests have been made to him concerning the condition of affairs in the New Hebrides of irregularities that occur in the carrying out of official regulations and in the administration of justice; and whether representations have been made to the French Government, which, under the Convention of 1907, is responsible with this Government for the public welfare of the islands?
§ Sir E. GREYMy attention has been called to the state of affairs in the New Hebrides and we are in communication with the French Government on the subject as stated by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies on the 12th inst.
Sir G. PARKERHas it been brought to the right hon. Gentleman's notice that greatly different judgments on criminal questions in the English and French Courts have had most seriously disturbing effects on the settlers?
§ Sir E. GREYIt has been brought to our notice that the Condominium has not worked very satisfactorily in that respect, and that is why we have entered into communication with the French Government with a view to devising some arrangement to meet the difficulty.