Mr. WINTERTONasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that, although, when the King of the Fijians handed over the islands to Great Britain, it was a condition that the Fijians should be protected from the liquor traffic by a system of permits or exemptions or by other means, liquor is now reaching the peoples, and an application has been or is being made for the granting of further facilities in the shape of a new licence on or near the wharf at Suva for the sale of liquor; and, in the interests of the native races, will he cause an inquiry to be made and, pending an inquiry, stay the granting of further facilities for the sale of liquor in Fiji?
§ Dr. SHIELSThe attention of the Secretary of State has not previously been drawn to the condition referred to in the first part of the question, but it is the policy of the Government of Fiji to maintain a careful watch over the issue to Fijians of permits to obtain intoxicating liquor. The Secretary of State is communicating with the Governor in the matter.