HC Deb 10 May 1922 vol 153 c2163
14. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can furnish the House with any information as to schemes for settlement in the Queen Charlotte Islands?

Mr. AMERY

The Overseas Settlement Committee are authoritatively advised that communication with these islands, which lie to the north of Vancouver Island, is difficult, that the population is small, and that the islands are not at present suitable to settlers from this country, except for stock raising and dairying, which could be made successful under proper management, but requires considerable capital. They have already issued a warning as regards settlement in these Islands, and they would urge any persons who may contemplate settling there to communicate with their secretary at 6, St. James's Square, before coming to any decision.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Is the land in the Queen Charlotte Islands owned by the State or by private persons?

Mr. AMERY

I think a great deal of it is still Crown land—still under virgin forest.