§ 19. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the action of certain ex-governors of West African Colonies in obtaining diamond concessions in the Gold Coast Colony; is he aware that two of these ex-governors have since visited the West African Colonies and have, in addition, secured concessions for the exploitation of platinum in the Colony and/or Protectorate of Sierra Leone; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Mr. AMERYI am aware that two ex-governors of the Gambia are directors of a Gold Coast diamond company and have recently visited the Gold Coast to inspect the company's concession. I am also aware that the company has secured prospecting rights over a platinum area in Sierra Leone. None of the directors of the company was ever an official in Sierra Leone. One director, an ex-governor of the Gambia, was formerly an official in the Gold Coast, and he has, in accordance with the local Pension Law, obtained the governor's sanction to his directorship. I see no grounds for taking any action in the matter.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the activities of ex-governors and officials on the West Coast have the approval of the Colonial Office, or whether the right hon. Gentleman will discourage officials from taking on directorships of companies 1494 directly dealing with concessions in the Colonies to which they belonged?
§ Mr. AMERYIt is obviously undesirable that governors and officials should undertake commercial activities immediately after they have ceased from holding office; in any case where there is any danger of their action while in office being influenced by the possibility of subsequent commercial activities; but, where a long period of years intervenes, it is obviously absurd to apply any limitations on governors or other officials in this respect.
§ Mr. ERNEST BROWNIn the case of tin in Nigeria, do the Government receive royalties?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it puts the officials who do not take up appointments of this sort, on principle, in a very unpleasant position, when their colleagues do take up such positions? Is it not affecting directly the status and character of his Colonial Service?
§ Mr. AMERYI am aware of no official who 10, 15 or 20 years after leaving the Colony, declines interest in its affairs as a matter of principle.
§ 32. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the concession granted to Sir Henry Galway, late governor of the Gambia, to prospect for platinum in Sierra Leone was an exclusive right, and was granted in return for a payment or on terms which have his approval?
§ Mr. AMERYThe right to prospect for platinum granted to Alluvial Diamonds (Gold Coast) Limited, is not exclusive Similar rights have been granted to a number of applicants. The fee for a prospecting right is £5 and the terms on which such rights are granted are laid down in the Sierra Leone Minerals Ordinance.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODThen I understand that anyone can obtain a concession to prospect for platinum in Sierra Leone in addition to Sir Henry Galway?