HC Deb 23 February 1927 vol 202 cc1764-5
74. Sir BASIL PETO

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that a concession for 30 years from 1930 has been granted for the main area of Chipley Timber Concession in British Honduras to a foreign corporation; and whether any applications have been made from British subjects with a view to keeping the development of these great reserves of soft timber in British hands and available for the British Empire?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

In August, 1924, the Government of British Honduras publicly invited offers for a concession to be granted at the expiration of the Chipley Concession, in 1930. In April, 1926, with my approval, an agree- ment was signed with the Tidewater Lumber Company, providing for the revision of the concession on terms satisfactory to Government. No other proposals had then been made of a type complying with the conditions laid down, and I had the less hesitation in approving the grant in that the Tidewater Company, though controlled from abroad, was already firmly established in the Colony and was managed by a British subject.

Sir B. PETO

Can the hon. Member say what is the nationality of the Tidewater Company, and where the profits from this company go?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I gather that the bulk of the shares are held in the United States of America.

Sir B. PETO

Does that mean that this British timber is now definitely allocated to the United States of America from 1924, for over 20 years?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

It is not allocated, but, as a matter of fact, a very considerable proportion of the exports of British Honduras naturally go to the United States of America, because of shipping facilities and geographical position.

Sir B. PETO

Is not there plenty of demand for British timber somewhere in the British Empire?