HC Deb 27 June 1927 vol 208 cc16-7
24. Mr. W. BAKER

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received representations urging him to agree to the surrender by the natives of Southern Rhodesia of the right which they possess under Article 43 of the Constitution to purchase land in Southern Rhodesia upon the same terms as the white settlers; and whether he will give an assurance that in the event of the constitutional right being surrendered a much larger area than the suggested allotment of 8,000,000 acres for purchase by the natives shall be set aside in order to see that adequate provision is made for the future development of the native people?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

My right hon. Friend is not in a position to add anything to the reply made to the hon. Member on 26th May except that he understands the Southern Rhodesia Legislative Assembly have now adopted a resolution approving generally the principles of the Report of the Land Commission with the exception of the recommendation relating to so-called "neutral areas."