HC Deb 20 May 1909 vol 5 cc565-6
Mr JOHN ROBERTSON

asked why it was that, after paying to the natives £50 rent, and so fulfilling the terms of the lease granting the exclusive right to raise and ship all the rock and alluvial phosphate on Ocean Island, the Pacific Phosphate Company in 1908 also paid £1,100 to individual native owners on that island; and what were the sums paid to those owners each year from 1900 to 1907, inclusive?

Colonel SEELY

I understand that annual payments have been made by the company to individual native occupiers beyond the £50 stipulated in the original agreement, in order to facilitate the company's operations and to induce friendly relations with the natives. The payments vary with the size of each area worked, and the total amounts paid under this head in the years 1905-1908 are stated to have been respectively £430, £768, £951, and £1,148. For the years 1900-1904 the amounts were smaller, but the exact figures are not immediately ascertainable.

Mr. ROBERTSON

Have these payments been made in recognition of native rights, or are they held to be a mere douceur?

Colonel SEELY

As the hon. Gentleman knows, the position of the Government is difficult in this matter, seeing that the ar- rangement was made with the natives before the British Government had anything to do with the island. We are, therefore, in a difficulty in ascertaining facts which took place before our occupation. In this matter the company are acting direct with the natives, and we have no precise power of interference.

Mr. ROBERTSON

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether he believes the payments made were in recognition of native rights?

Colonel SEELY

I can only draw the hon. Member's attention to this, which is what I have been given to understand, that the object was to facilitate the company's operations and to induce friendly relations with the natives.

Mr. CATHCART WASON

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman satisfied with the treatment the natives have received?

Colonel SEELY

We have no complaints at present. I shall be glad to receive any information my hon. Friend has.

Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

Does the rule governing secret commissions apply to this island?

Colonel SEELY

I do not think Sir Edward Fry's Act applies to this group.