HC Deb 15 June 1925 vol 185 cc11-2
32. Mr. SNELL

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can state the position of the Tati concession regarding the question of becoming incorporated with Rhodesia; whether a referendum has recently been taken; and with what result?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

Resolutions were passed at various meetings of settlers held in the Tati district last January expressing the view that the time had arrived for proceeding further with the question of the incorporation of the district in Southern Rhodesia and proposing that, if such incorporation was approved by His Majesty's Government, the final decision of the European people of the district should be given by means of a referendum. The resolution has received very careful consideration, but the only reply my right hon. Friend felt able to make was that the terms of the resolution had been noted and would be kept in mind, but that His Majesty's Government did not feel able in existing circumstances to take any immediate action in the matter. This decision was communicated also to the Government of Southern Rhodesia. It will be seen therefore that no referendum has been taken.