§ 61 and 63. Mr. TOUCHEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) if he has received any expression of opinion 715 from the West African section of the London Chamber of Commerce, by deputation or otherwise, with regard to the Lever concessions in West Africa; and will he say if the opinion was favourable to the grant of the proposed concessions or otherwise; and (2) whether the West African section of the London Chamber of Commerce indicated to him the result of their consideration of the Palm Oil Ordinance with the proposed amendments; and will he say whether they were in principle opposed to, or in favour of, the passing of the Ordinance?
Mr. HARCOURTThe opinion of the section is not in favour of the Ordinance. This also answers the hon. Member's other question, No. 63.
§ 62. Mr. TOUCHEasked whether unofficial members of the Legislative Council expressed approval or disapproval of the Gold Coast Palm Oil Ordinance for the purpose of granting special privileges to Messrs. Lever Brothers, Limited?
Mr. HARCOURTSo far as I know, the Palm Oil Ordinance, in its amended form, has not yet been discussed by the Legislative Council of the Gold Coast.
§ Mr. TOUCHEHas it been discussed in other than its amended form sufficiently to enable the right hon. Gentleman to know whether the unofficial members approve of it in principle or disapprove?
Mr. HARCOURTThe principle is rather affected by the amendments. I have had no opportunity of knowing what is the opinion of unofficial members on the Ordinance as now presented.
§ Mr. TOUCHEWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to ascertain their opinion before it is put into operation?
Mr. HARCOURTI can ascertain their opinion when they have expressed it in their local legislative council.