§ 55. Colonel WOODCOCKasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs upon what terms and for what purpose he has granted a lease of Thompson Island and Bouvet Island to a Norwegian firm; and if the terms of the arrangement have been carried out?
§ Mr. AMERYI have been asked to reply to this question. A licence was issued in February, 1928, after negotiations extending over a period of twelve months, to Johan Rasmussen and Company to occupy exclusively Bouvet and Thompson Islands for a period of ten years, to conduct whaling operations in the territorial waters thereof and to remove guano there from. My hon. and gallant Friend will be aware, from the statement made in this House on the 19th November last, that His Majesty's Government have waived the British claim to Bouvet Island in favour of Norway. The licensees had previously volunteered to forgo their rights under the licence.
§ Colonel WOODCOCKIs there any truth in the report that this island was missing when they went to take it over, and have they found it yet?
§ Mr. AMERYThere is no doubt as to the existence of Bouvet Island, which we have transferred to Norway. The Government have not yet received sufficient information as to the non-existence of Thompson Island to warrant the suggestion that it cannot be found.
§ Colonel WOODCOCKI want to know how the right hon. Gentleman is going to complete his contract if he cannot find the island.
§ Mr. AMERYIf Johan Rasmussen and Company wish to press for a continuance of the licence in respect of Thompson Island, His Majesty's Government will be entirely willing to meet them in so far as they can find the island.