§ 21. Mr.MAXTON (for Mr. JOHNSTON)asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the existence of diamond fields on the Gold Coast; that such a discovery was made by a public official called the Director of Geological Survey for the Gold Coast in 1919; that the sole rights for prospecting were immediately acquired by Akim, Ltd.; will he say what considerations, if any, were given in return for the prospecting rights; is he aware that the shares of Akim, Ltd., have since been acquired by the West African Diamond Syndicate, Ltd.; and will he say if the public revenues of the Gold Coast benefit in any way from any diamonds secured by this company?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI am aware that diamonds were discovered by the. Director of Geological Survey in 1919. This discovery did not operate to vest the mining rights in the Government; under the Gold Coast law they remain with the native communities, which can, subject to the supervision of the Supreme Court, transfer them. This was, doubtless, the course followed in this case, though I have no details of the transactions, which are not subject to my control. Under Ordinance No. 12 of 1919 the Gold Coast Government levies a duty of 5 per cent. on the value of diamonds exported.
§ Mr. MAXTONDoes the Gold Coast Government take any steps to protect the natives in seeing that they are fairly treated in parting with their rights?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThat is under the control of the legal administration and not under the administration of the Government. It is the duty of the Supreme Court to deal with all these land questions. The Government keep out-of the land question on the Gold Coast as far as possible. Practically all the land belongs to some native owner, either collectively or individually.
§ Mr. MAXTONAm I to understand that the Supreme Court of the Gold Coast is independent of the Gold Coast Government?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GORECertainly, on legal questions.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDo we get no benefit at all from the discovery by our servant of these diamonds? Ought not we to have some discoverer's claim, or something beyond the mere export duty?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI certainly think that it would be very wrong for us in this House to demand payment from the Gold Coast.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYBy "we" I mean His Majesty's Government of this Crown Colony.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThe revenues of the Crown Colony do not belong to us in this House. They belong to the Crown Colony.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWhen I say "we" I am talking of the. Government of one of His Majesty's Crown Colonies, and the right hon. Gentleman knows that well.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREIt has never been the policy of this House to endeavour to exploit the national resources of Crown Colonies in the interests of the taxpayers.
§ Mr. HARDIEWhat about your syndicates?