MR. DUNDAS WHITEI beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the nature of the title of the Victoria Falls Power Company, Limited, to the Victoria Falls on the Zambesi and the adjoining land; whether it is freehold or leasehold, or what is the nature of the tenure; when it was granted; how much land it includes; whether it gives the monopoly of using the Falls for power purposes or for the transmission of power to a distance; and what is the price current paid to the company, and to whom it is paid.
§ COLONEL SEELYMy predecessor in reply to a Question from the hon. Member for the Cirencester division on the 14th of May, 1907, gave certain particulars as to an indenture and agreement providing for the lease of the Victoria Falls by the British South Africa Company to the African Concessions Syndicate Limited. In that agreement power was taken to assign any or all of the rights and benefits accruing under it to the Victoria Falls Power Company, Limited. The Secretary of State understands that such assignment has been made. The answer 481 above referred to gives part of the information desired by my hon. friend but further inquiry is being made into the matter.