§ 9. Mr. DAYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has received any reports from the officers commanding the two sloops which were detailed for duty in the Red Sea, for the purpose of preventing slave trading in this region; and can he state from his reports whether this traffic still exists from the 2878 African coast to Arabia, and if any dhows carrying slaves have been captured during the 12 months ended to the last convenient date?
§ The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Mr. A. V. Alexander)The reports received during the present year from the officers commanding the Red Sea sloops state that while the wholesale traffic in cargoes of slaves between Africa and Arabia has ceased, owing to the presence of His Majesty's ships, a retail trade consisting of the transport of small numbers in small dhows continues. Whereas large numbers of dhows have been examined no capture of dhows carrying slaves has been made during the last 12 months, and the reports referred to draw attention to the difficulties of capture owing to the great circumspection with which the trade is now prosecuted. The slave traders' intelligence is good and the dark hours and adverse weather conditions are skilfully made use of by them.
§ Mr. ALEXANDERYes.
§ Commander SOUTHBYCan the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether these two sloops have any boats away cruising in execution of these duties?
§ Mr. ALEXANDERI cannot say what the position is to-day.