HC Deb 11 July 1911 vol 28 cc349-50W
Mr. COWAN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the new Basha of Marrakesh is the man who tortured the wife of Hadj Ben Aisa, in Mequinez, some months ago; and whether he will instruct His Majesty's representative at Tangier to protest against this appointment?

Sir E. GREY

Such reports as I have received are to the effect stated in the first part of the question, but His Majesty's Government are not in a position to interfere with internal appointments in Morocco.

Mr. COWAN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the French Custom House officials in the ports of Morocco are seriously hampering British traders engaged in the export and import of British goods by giving preferential treatment to French subjects; and whether he will cause representations to be made to the French Government with a view to securing equality of treatment for British traders in Morocco?

Sir E. GREY

I have received a complaint from a private source to this effect. I am making inquiries respecting it, as I have not yet had similar information from any official source.

Mr. COWAN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the Consular Report on the state of the prisons in Morocco which was received at the Foreign Office last year, it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to urge a scheme of prison reform upon the Moorish Government; and whether he will consider the inclusion in such a scheme of the restoration of the system of prison inspectors which was introduced by the late Sultan Abdul Azziz in 1903?

Sir E. GREY

New prison regulations were introduced into Morocco, which it was hoped would have a beneficial effect. The scheme did include inspection by the medical officers attached to the police.

Mr. COWAN

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that under the French monopoly of tobacco obtained from the Moorish Sultan, eleven British families resident in Tangier have been deprived of their livelihood; and whether any steps have been taken by His Majesty's representative at Tangier to obtain compensation for these British subjects?

Sir E. GREY

In accordance with Article 73 of the Algeciras Act, compensation was paid to the foreign firms in Morocco who suffered loss when tobacco-was made a monopoly. If the hon. Member can furnish me with information that in any case such compensation was not-paid to a British subject, I will cause inquiries to be made.