HC Deb 16 July 1918 vol 108 c885
28. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether steps are being taken to wind up German businesses in German East Africa similar to those taken in this country; and, in particular, what steps are taken to secure from the German planters the due payment of their taxes or instalments on their land or to sell this land to British soldiers?

The UNDER-SECRETARY Of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Hewins)

My hon. and gallant Friend apparently does not realise the essential difference between enemy businesses in occupied territory and those in this country. Enemy businesses in German East Africa have been placed in the hands of receivers, but as German East Africa is at present only in military occupation it is not possible to adopt precisely the same measures as are taken here. I have no information as to the payment by German planters of taxes or instalments on their land. Land, buildings, goodwill, and other permanent assets are not sold without the consent of the owners.

Sir E. CARSON

Will the machinery of these businesses be removed from German East Africa in the same way as the Germans have removed the machinery from Belgium?

Mr. HEWINS

Perhaps the right hon. and learned Gentleman will put a question down.

Mr. PRINGLE

Are we to understand from the answer of the hon. Gentleman that the Government regard German East Africa as a pawn?

Mr. HEWINS

No, Sir; the hon. Gentleman is to understand exactly what I said.