§ 45. Mr. GINNELLasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been directed to the value of guano phosphate deposits in Ocean Island, Western Pacific, estimated at £80,000,000 in situ, the use of which for a short term was obtained by a British company from the inexperienced natives for a trifle; whether he is aware that the Colonial Office, without the concurrence of the native owners, so extended 1220 the term in favour of ex-Colonial officials as to make it in effect permanent alienation, in consequence of which the necessary revenues for administration are drawn mainly from the food of the natives; whether he is aware that foodstuffs to satisfy this food tax have been seized and exported from the island while some natives were dying of starvation and others forced to surrender their lands and enter forced labour for Government or company; and, if an independent public inquiry into these matters be instituted, whether he will give to natives, and to missionaries and other Europeans giving; evidence, a guarantee of indemnity and a right to reside unmolested on the island afterwards?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am informed that none of the facts are as stated in the first part of the hon. Member's question. I see no reason for instituting an inquiry into the matter.