§ 17. Mr. WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether His Majesty's Government have the right, under Section 25 of the British South Africa Company's Charter, to appoint a director to the Board of the Chartered Company; whether this right has been taken advantage of; and, if not, will he explain why this has not been done?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)The Crown possesses the power referred to, but it has 1748 not been thought by any previous Government desirable to exercise it, and I do not, differ from their decision. The necessary control over the company's proceedings is, in the opinion of His Majesty's Government, better secured by the administrative machinery set up by Order in Council.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODIn view of the present dispute as to the title to land in Rhodesia, is it not advisable to try and ascertain what are the aims and ideas of the company?
§ Mr. HARCOURTThe object of the. question is to decide the rights rather than to ascertain the views of the company.
§ Mr. SWIFT MacNEILLDoes not the. right hon. Gentleman consider it worth while to appoint a representative of the Government on the board of the company, having regard to the fact that the company's Charter expires in September' next?