HC Deb 03 May 1922 vol 153 cc1328-30
47. Mr. RAWLINSON

asked the Prime Minister whether, before it is decided to annex Southern Rhodesia, a full opportunity will be given to the House to discuss and vote upon the question?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not think that it is necessary at this stage to consider the provision of a special opportunity for the discussion of the questions connected with the political future of Southern Rhodesia.

Mr. RAWLINSON

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that this annexation dispatch will not be carried through without an opportunity of discussing it in this House?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The hon. and learned Gentleman is asking me about a matter which is primarily in the hands of the Secretary of State for the Colonies. His question was whether an opportunity would be given for discussing the question, and that is why I am answering. My impression, if my memory serves me right, is that the dispatch put two alternatives before the people of Southern Rhodesia, and recommended that a referendum should be held. When the result of the referendum is known the time would come for consideration as to whether an opportunity for discussion in this House is required or not.

Mr. RAWLINSON

I am asking that the Order-in-Council shall not go through until the House of Commons has had an opportunity of discussing it.

Mr. T. GRIFFITHS

Will the right hon. Gentleman circulate the Papers showing the agreement made between the Imperial Government and the natives of Rhodesia after the Matabele War?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

That question should be put to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.

69. Mr. RAWLINSON

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the total amount of financial liability which would be incurred by the British Government in case the annexation of Southern Rhodesia is carried out on the terms proposed in the draft letters patent dispatched by the Government to the High Commissioner; and upon what Vote could such expenditure be discussed?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Edward Wood)

There is a difference of opinion between His Majesty's Government and the British South Africa Company as to the financial position with regard to the Company's administrative deficit arising out of the decision of the Privy Council in the Southern Rhodesia land case. This difference of opinion may form the subject of further judicial proceedings, and I can only reply, therefore, in the most general terms to my hon. and learned Friend's question. The draft Letters Patent for Southern Rhodesia were prepared on the basis that, should they come into operation, no liability of a financial kind would fall on His Majesty's Government except such as may arise in the event of the Crown using its powers under Article 33 of the Company's Charter to acquire buildings and works. With respect to these, it is impossible to forecast the exact amount involved, but the value of all the existing public works and buildings in Southern Rhodesia was estimated to be some £830,000 as on 31st March, 1918. Clause 51 of the Letters Patent provides for the repayment within 12 months of any moneys advanced for this purpose. Any provision which Parliament may be asked to make would form part of the Colonial Services Vote.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Will the Colonial Office adhere to the recommendations—I think from Lord Buxton's Committee—that the question of the grant owing to the South African Government should be left to the Law Courts and should not be settled outside by the Colonial Office and the British South Africa Company?

Mr. WOOD

I would rather, since my hon. and gallant Friend invites my opinion on a matter of such importance, that he should put a question on the Paper.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

: In any case no settlement will be come to, without the House being asked to approve of such settlement?

Mr. WOOD

Yes, that is so.

Mr. RAWLINSON

Apart from the payment to the South African Company what liabilities are being taken over by the Government? Do they include payments of judges and so forth?

Mr. WOOD

I am afraid if my hon. and learned Friend wishes to ask me that he should put down a question. It does not arise out of his original question.

Mr. RAWLINSON

That is the original question. I will put it down again.