§ 44. Mr. SIMMasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if steps are being taken to report upon the natural resources and commercial prospects of new territory over which the British Empire has recently obtained control?
§ Lieut-Colonel AMERYYes, Sir. A considerable amount of existing information has already been collated, and steps are being taken to obtain further reports on the natural resources of these territories. As regards commercial prospects, the answer is in the affirmative. The territory in South-West Africa has been brought within the area of His Majesty's Trade Commissioners in South Africa and the territory in East Africa is to be specially investigated by the Trade Commissioner for British East Africa, who has recently been appointed by the Board of Trade. Samoa has already been reported on by His Majesty's Trade Commissioner in New Zealand, and steps are being taken to obtain information as to openings for British trade in the other territories.
§ Lieut.-Colonel AMERYYes, Sir; I understand that, at any rate, in the case of these mandated territories which are not directly under the self-governing Dominions. The terms of the mandate being discussed are on the basis of equal facilities for all nations within the territories.