§ 14. Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received any complaints as to the immigration of Syrian (French) persons for trading in the Colonies of the West Coast of Africa; and whether the deposit asked for has proved insufficient?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERRepresentations on this subject have been received from a private firm and from the Government of Nigeria, but the opinions of the West African Governments generally are divided, and no specific proposals have been laid before me. I have no reason to believe that the deposit to which my hon. and gallant 344 Friend alludes is insufficient for the purpose of preventing the immigration of persons without visible means of support or likely to become paupers.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEWill my right hon. Friend inquire whether these French Syrians are not taking money out of the country which might be kept in the country if the trade were in the hands of British or local traders?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThis is rather too wide a question to discuss by means of question and answer. Different views have been expressed by the various Governments concerned.