I beg to ask the Under-secretary of State for the Colonies whether any licences have yet been issued under the New Hebrides Convention.

†See(4) Debates, clxxvi, 590

No licences can be issued until the Convention has been brought into operation.

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to statements from reliable sources that British traders are placed under great disabilities owing to this delay?

I have seen the telegram in The Times this morning.

It is sure to be right, then.