HC Deb 04 April 1911 vol 23 cc1988-9
Mr. WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the prospectus of the Werompi (Ashanti) Rubber and Gold Concession, in which the promoters claim to have titles from the Native chiefs to 64,000 acres in the Gold Coast Colony; and will he say whether these alienations have been approved by the proper authorities in the Gold Coast, or by the Secretary of State?

Mr. HARCOURT

I have no information on the subject, but I will make inquiries.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Does the right hon. Gentleman adhere to the position taken up last year that on the Gold Coast native lands are not to be alienated to these syndicates?

Mr. HARCOURT

I took up no position last year, but no doubt that taken up by my predecessor was the right one.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman prevent land on the Gold Coast being sold by the chiefs to white syndicates?

Mr. HARCOURT

I shall examine that question very carefully and very sympathetically.