§ 11. Mr. HIGHAMasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state what is the rate of royalty paid by the owners of the phosphate monopoly in the Gilbert Islands; what amount was yielded by it in the last completed year, and when that rate was fixed; and, in view of the poverty of the natives and the direct taxation levied upon them, whether he can see his way to increase the royalty levied upon so profitable an industry?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)The royalty fixed in 1901 was 6d. a ton, but it has been raised to 1s. a ton as from 1st July, 1912. The amount received by the Protectorate Government during the financial year ending 30th June, 1913, was £4,423, based on the old 6d. rate, and £4,743 has since been paid in respect of the same financial year on account of the additional royalty. I cannot admit that the taxation of the natives is excessive.