HC Deb 03 May 1922 vol 153 c1340
68. Mr. RAWLINSON

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government have paid, or promised to pay, any and what sum to the British South Africa Company in respect to Rhodesia?

Mr. WOOD

A sum of £1,940,000 has been advanced in respect of the company's extraordinary war expenditure, pending a decision as to the ultimate liability for this expenditure. The Estimates for 1922–3 include provision for a small further payment on this account. This expenditure relates almost exclusively to Northern Rhodesia. An advance of £150,000 was made as a temporary loan for public works In Southern Rhodesia in the last financial year. Provision is made for a similar advance in this year's Estimates. Apart from these sums, no payments have been made or promised.

Mr. RAWLINSON

Are those merely loans and not payments?

Mr. WOOD

The first large sum would be payment; the last one is a loan.