§ 41. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the British South Africa Company has disposed of 2,298,000 acres of land in Southern Rhodesia, for which no payment has yet been received; whether the inquiries promised on 28th June of last year included the value of such lands; and if he can now state the value, and also what steps will be taken to recover either the value or the ownership of the land?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe figure referred to represents approximately the area which at the 31st March, 1918, had been granted by the company under permit of occupation, and the purchase price of which had not yet been paid at that date. Receipts from land held under permit of occupation are credited to land sales account as and when they accrue, and all such receipts since 31st March, 1918, have been so credited. As regards the estimated value of the outstanding revenue on account of land sales, I would refer to the reply given to the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland (Mr. Spoor) on the 28th June last.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWould the right hon. Gentleman answer that part of the question which asks whether the inquiries promised on the 28th June included the value of such lands?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI think that if my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the question and answer of the 28th June, he will find that that point is covered.