§ Sir W. SUTHERLANDasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that cheap potato-spirit of German and Dutch origin is being shipped to British West African Colonies from Holland, and also cheap Cuban rum from New York, to the detriment of the native population of these British Colonies; and whether the Governments of the United States and of Holland have been asked by the British Government to take any action in the matter?
Mr. THOMASNo, Sir. If the hon. Member has any definite evidence of the importation of spirits which are not admissible under the laws of those Colonies, perhaps he will place it at the disposal of the Colonial Office. I may add that the import duties on spirits in the West African Colonies are so high that it seems impossible that cheap spirits can be on sale to the natives.