SIR J. DICKSON POYNDER (Wiltsshire, Chippenham)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government will make inquiries as to the technical disabilities under the Settlers' Ordinance of the Transvaal, which the Commissioner of Lands, in his Report of November 1st, 1905, described as practically excluding land purchase and reducing very greatly the scope of the policy of State-aided settlement; and whether, if such disabilities are still in operation, they will cause them to be removed.
§ MR. CHURCHILLThe Secretary of State has recently been informed by Lord Selborne that the Land Board has been asked to consider and report upon whether any amendments, and, if so, what amendments, should be made to the Settlers and Crown Lands Disposal Ordinances of 1902 and 1903 respectively so as to facilitate and improve the administration of any funds available for the encouragement of agricultural settlers in the country, and for the settlement of existing Crown Lands.