§ MR. CATHCART WASON (Orkney and Shetland)I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that the compulsory expropriation of natives at Lagos is viewed by the native population with alarm; and if, in order to allay any feeling of injustice that may exist, instructions will be given that land elsewhere will be granted to the expropriated natives.
§ COLONEL SEELYI am in a position to inform my hon. friend that the feelings of the natives on this question have been exaggerated. The number affected is about 350, and liberal compensation for expropriation is being awarded to them. It is undoubtedly the policy of the Governor to meet the point raised by the hon. Member. There are large unoccupied areas in the neighbourhood of the town. Part of the land is already marked out into building sites and roads, and further land will be similarly marked out as soon as there is evidence of pressure of population.