HC Deb 14 May 1914 vol 62 cc1271-2
25. Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he authorised the Resident Commissioner in Southern Rhodesia to inform the newly elected Legislative Council of Rhodesia that he proposed to veto the Land Settlement Ordinance if it passed the Rhodesian Chamber in its present form; whether, in spite of this information, the Land Settlement Ordinance has been supported by the majority of elected as well as nominated members of the Council; and whether he still proposes to override the decision of the elected representatives of the Rhodesian people?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)

I have not received any official statement of the remarks made by the Resident Commissioner which appear to have been uttered in the course of debate. No instruction has been sent to the effect that the Land Settlement Ordinance will not be assented to. His Majesty's Government intend to await the decision of the Legislative Council and the full report of the proceedings before coming to any decision with regard to this Ordinance, which raises some difficult questions. The High Commissioner informs me that the Ordinance has passed the second reading by a majority of eight, five elected members voting in favour of postponement.

Sir GILBERT PARKER

May I ask whether it is intended to give the House an opportunity of discussing this matter before a decision is come to by the Government?

Mr. HARCOURT

I have no doubt such an opportunity will arise.

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Will a decision not be taken before the Colonial Office Vote comes on?

Mr. HARCOURT

That depends on when the Colonial Vote is taken, and that depends on arrangements.

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Will the right hon. Gentleman realise our interest to know how soon a decision will be taken?

Mr. HARCOURT

Is the hon. Gentleman referring to the Land Settlement Ordinance or the general question of land settlement in Rhodesia?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Land Settlement Ordinance.

Mr. HARCOURT

I do not think the decision is likely to be taken immediately.

Sir G. PARKER

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the Government will not give its decision and announce it to the High Commissioner before the Colonial Office Vote is taken, no matter when that Vote is taken?

Mr. HARCOURT

If the hon. Member will give me notice of that question I will answer it.