§ Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that some 8,000 peasant proprietors in Trinidad, who have bought their holdings from the Crown since 17th January, 1902, have received notices from the Government of Trinidad that, unless they apply before 31st March for oil-prospectors' licences for their own lands, with proof of their ability to work the same, licences may be granted to other persons; and whether, in view of the areas of unsold Crown lands not yet licensed and of the licensed Crown lands not yet exploited, and also having regard to the fact that it is doubtful how far oil-mining experiments may detrimentally affect cultivation, he will issue instructions to suspend this notice pending further consideration?
Mr. HARCOURTIn the case of Crown lands sold in Trinidad since January, 1902, the right of the Crown to all oil found under such land has been expressly reserved. But in order to give owners the first chance of prospecting on their own lands, I understand that the Government of Trinidad has given them the option, up to March 31st, of taking out a licence to prospect. I do not think it necessary to issue any instructions in the matter.
§ Mr. MITCHELL-THOMSONMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman cannot see his way to extend the time for these men, who have only a few weeks in which to prove their ability to work their lands, and also whether there is not some doubt that prospecting may have an unfair and prejudicial effect on the agricultural interest?
Mr. HARCOURTI have had no intimation that there is any desire for a prolongation of the time. If the hon. Member can give me any information on the matter it shall be considered. But I must not be understood to be giving a pledge that the time will be prolonged.