§ MR. LONSDALE (Armagh, Mid.)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the position of many of the British settlers in the Orange River Colony is precarious, owing to the excessive amounts they have to pay for redemption and interest; whether they have applied for a revaluation of their farms; and, if so, whether the Government will consent to the appointment of a commission of farmers and business men to inquire into the position of these settlers.
§ MR. CHURCHILLI am aware that some of the settlers have applied for a revaluation; but I am not prepared to admit that the situation of many of them is precarious. The Government of the Orange River Colony have the interests of the settlers greatly at heart, and it does not appear that there would be any advantage in appointing a commission of inquiry.
SIR GILBERT PARKERIs it the intention of the Government to consider the question of a revaluation of these lands?
§ MR. CHURCHILLI do not know if that forms part of the scheme which is being promoted.