§ Mr. KEIR HARDIEI beg to ask the Secretary for the Colonies whether 585 he has communicated as promised with the Governor of Lagos concerning the proposed eviction of the veteran soldiers of the Houssa Tribe from houses built at their own expense upon land granted to them by the Government, and with what result; whether the land upon which the houses were built belongs to the Government, and, if not, to whom does it belong; whether, in the case of those who are evicted, full compensation will be granted; whether it is proposed to destroy the mosque belonging to these people, and that the only compensation offered is a grant of £100.
§ MR. CHURCHILLThe Secretary of State has informed the Governor of Lagos that he relies upon him to prevent feeling of hardship or injustice, and to give liberal interpretation of provisions made for compensation in the case of poor persons affected by these public improvements, and the Governor has replied that Lord Elgin's wishes will be most carefully followed. The land belongs to the Government. Compensation is being granted in accordance with the terms of the Ordinance, which are reported to the Secretary of State to be adequate. But if it should appear that further provision is required to establish these people in suitable homes— means will have to be found for doing so. The mosque has been valued at £100, but the question whether it should be removed or not was still under consideration when the Governor last wrote.