§ Mr. ALDENasked (1) whether the right hon. Gentleman has any official information showing that in respect of the phosphates of the Ocean Island, Western Pacific, the licence granted to the Pacific Phosphate Company was obtained by false pretences; and, if so, whether he will have the said licence declared null and void; and whether, in the event of any new licence in the future being granted, he will secure that native and Imperial interests are safeguarded; (2) whether, in view of the disclosures made in connection with the concessions secured by the Pacific Phosphate Company, he can see his way to arrange that all dealings with public and native lands, including concessions for mineral and other rights, be placed in charge of competent and responsible officials, answerable for their conduct in the same manner as trustees for private estates, in order that the rights of the natives may be conserved and the Imperial interests safeguarded?
§ Colonel SEELYI have no information tending to show that the Pacific Phosphate Company obtained its licence in respect of Ocean Island by false pretences. There is, therefore, no reason for considering the question of cancelling the licence. The Colonial Office will take steps to see that Imperial and native interests are adequately safeguarded in this and other cases.
§ Colonel SEELYI can give my hon. Friend all the information about it. I think what I have stated is correct, so far as that information goes. There is nothing to bear out the suggestion made in the first part of the question.
§ Sir J. D. REESMay I ask whether commercial interests are not also worthy of the attention of hon. Members with Imperial instincts?
§ Colonel SEELYNative interests are often more important, because there are fewer people to look after them.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the development of rubber companies and mining companies, it would not be worth while to appoint some Commission to see whether Imperial and native interests are properly safeguarded in British Colonies?
§ Mr. ALDENWas the question of appointing officials to safeguard these natives in the contemplation of the Colonial Office when the concession was made?
§ Sir J. D. REESDo the records of the Colonial Office afford justification for the general assumption that the British trader ill-treats or cheats the natives?
§ Colonel SEELYNo; I did not wish to convey that at all. It is the fact that a careful watch has to be kept on the action of all companies in remote parts of the world. I think experience shows that natives are ill-treated at times not only by the natives of the country, but by the people of other countries, and we must watch over them.