HC Deb 23 May 1892 vol 4 cc1525-6
MR. CUNINGHAME GRAHAM

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he could see his way to appoint a Resident Inspector in each of the territories of the great Chartered Companies in Africa; if an annual Report to Parliament from the Crown official could be furnished; if an assigned date for the termination of their privileges could be made, in order to open Parliamentary inspection and consideration; if he contemplates imposing any tribute to the Imperial Exchequer on these companies; and it there is any reason for delegating the Imperial authority in Africa to these companies, entirely composed of unofficial persons?

MR. J. W. LOWTHER

I informed the hon. Member that I doubted if I should be able to give him very full information to-day. I am afraid that it would be impossible for me to reply to the numerous and novel points raised by the hon. Member within the limits usually assigned to an answer to a question. His proposals would, if adopted, practically entail such essential modifications of the conditions under which the several charters were granted as would necessitate the withdrawal of the charters. The last paragraph raises the question of the whole policy of granting charters to companies, a policy which has been frequently discussed in the House and which would appear to be matter for debate.

MR. CUNINGHAME GRAHAM

There is one point in my question which perhaps the hon. Gentleman might answer now, and that is whether the Government could appoint a Resident in the territories of these companies? These companies have practically powers of life and death over the native races, and it would seem that for their protection it would be judicious to appoint an Imperial official?

MR. J. W. LOWTHER

It is a matter that would require a good deal more consideration than the Secretary of State has been able to give to it. I may point out that these companies are, as a rule, each managed from London, from the head office of the company, and those who reside in the territory are really only the executive officers of the company carrying out the instructions from the management in London.

MR. CUNINGHAME GRAHAM

That is precisely the reason why I put my question. Does it not appear to the hon. Gentleman that it would be well to have an Imperial official Resident in the territory? What redress would even an Englishman get if he were wronged? I imagine he would not be likely to get much satisfaction on an appeal to the Board of Management in London?

MR. J. W. LOWTHER

If the hon. Member will repeat the notice of his first question, and give me a little time, I will consider. The appointment of an Imperial officer of the kind demands very serious consideration, and it makes, of course, a large demand upon Imperial funds.

MR. CUNINGHAME GRAHAM

I will put down the question for Thursday. Of course, my object is to secure protection for the native races.