HC Deb 07 November 1916 vol 87 cc52-3
98. Mr. HIGHAM

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received information from Lagos that Britsh authorities there introduced to the British resident at Kano two men of German birth, Herr Muller and Herr Schoffer, and that these men, representing hyphenated American firms, are interested in the purchase of, or proposals to purchase, Nigerian enemy properties to be offered for sale by the Government in the middle of this month?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have no such information.

99. Mr. HIGHAM

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in the sale of Nigerian enemy properties advertised to take place in the middle of this month, it is to be a condition that the purchaser must be a natural-born British subject; if he is aware that in the selling of enemy properties in this country the Government have regularly inserted this condition; and, if that practice is not being followed, on what grounds the change is being made?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. The rest of the points raised by the hon. Member can, I think, be more conveniently dealt with in the Debate tomorrow.

100. Mr. HIGHAM

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that two men of German birth, Herr Muller and Herr Schoffer, have been received and entertained at Kano, in Nigeria, by the British representative there, and were introduced by him to all the native traders who were likely to have goat skins, etc., for sale, which goods the Germans wished to buy for hyphenated American firms; and whether he will issue instructions to British representatives as to their duty in such cases, especially when British trade interests are prejudiced?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I understand that Mr. Muller is a Swiss citizen and Mr. Shoffer a citizen of the United States. They went to Nigeria about a year ago as representatives of two American firms, both of which are approved by His Majesty's Ambassador at Washington as importers of hides and skins from British Colonies to the United States. I have no information as to the action of the resident at Kano.