HC Deb 31 July 1930 vol 242 cc699-700
70. Mr. HORRABIN

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether, seeing that Tshekedi-Khama, mining generally in the Bechuanaland and his advisers have intimated their willingness to accept liability for legal proceedings with regard to any mining concessions in Bechuanaland, he is prepared to postpone the issue of mining regulations until it is seen whether the parties concerned decide to proceed to legal action or, alternatively, make some new arrangement which might affect the character of such mining regulations?

The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)

No, Sir. The mining legislation proposed is intended to regulate mining generally in the Bechunanaland Protectorate, and I see no reason why the present negotiations in regard to the mineral concession in the Bamangwato Reserve should affect the question.

Mr. HORRABIN

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the actual issue of regulations at this time would at least appear to prejudge the matter?

Mr. THOMAS

As I have informed the House, I am in negotiation with regard to the concession, which is a distinct and separate matter. The question of regulations with regard to mining is a general question, and not a particular one, but I am not unmindful of the point that my hon. Friend has raised.