§ 28. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any steps are being taken to discover the amount of the debt to the Chartered Company in respect of North and South Rhodesia, in accordance with the recommendations of Lord Buxton's Committee; if so, when the case for North Rhodesia will come before the Privy Council; and, if not, whether it is proposed to settle with the company without knowing what the legal debt may be?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLAs regards Southern Rhodesia, further consideration of the recommendations of Lord Buxton's Committee with regard to the determination of the deductions to be made from the Cave award has been deferred pending the taking of the proposed referendum as to the future of the territory. As regards Northern Rhodesia, the arrangements for the proposed reference to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council of the British South Africa Company's claims, including the claim to reimbursement of the administrative deficits, are still under examination.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs it not unfair to take a referendum in Southern Rhodesia when the people of the colony who are voting are unaware what liability independence will put upon their shoulders?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI was inclined to think further delay might have been advantageous, but it is the wish of the elected body there that a referendum should be held as rapidly as possible.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs not the delay-on the part of His Majesty's Government, who have delayed discovering exactly what the debt is?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am sure if a fault lies anywhere, it is with His Majesty's Government!