HC Deb 19 December 1906 vol 167 cc1506-7
MR. WEDGWOOD (Newcastle-under-Lyme)

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies with reference to the railway extensions in Nigeria, whether the State, the natives, or white planters will receive the enhanced value of the land through which the railway passes; and whether he will take steps, by means of valuations or otherwise, to ensure to the taxpayers of this country this enhanced value due to the expenditure of their money.

THE UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. Churchill, Manchester, N.W.)

The cost of the railway extension at present authorised will be met by Southern Nigeria, so that the British taxpayer will not be affected. As regards any further extension or construction in Northern Nigeria which may be authorised in future no definite statement can be made, but the matter will not be overlooked.

MR. WEDGWOOD

Will Southern Nigeria get the benefit of the increased, land values also?

MR. CHURCHILL

When a railway is built through land the persons owning the land, under our present dispensation, get the advantage of its enhanced value. A great proportion of the land is owned by the State, and other portions are owned by the natives. I think a very considerable proportion of the enhanced value will be secured to the State. We will make every effort to secure as much of the land as possible which is raised in value by the railway.

MR. HIGHAM (Yorkshire, W.R., Sowerby)

suggested that the example set in the case of the Canadian Pacific Railway should be followed, and that the land on each side of the track should become the property of the State.

MR. CHURCHILL

I think that is a very important aspect of the question. I will do my best to bring it to the notice of the Secretary of State.

MR. WEDGWOOD

asked whether, even where the land was privately owned, it would not still be possible by valuation at intervals to secure for Nigeria or for this country the increased value.

MR. CHURCHILL

I think that is a very important point, and it will not be overlooked. There should be no speculative value in land in Nigeria.