§ 22. Major MILNERasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what terms the concession to export the guano phosphates from Ocean Island was held by the concessionaire company before it was bought out; what profits accrued to the shareholders during the latest year for which statistics are available; what amounts were paid out of the profits during that period to the Gilbert Islands treasury and the natives of Ocean Island, respectively, whether in royalties or in rent; and on what terms native labourers are now employed to dig and ship the phosphates, and whether they enjoy any Government protection?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERThe licence granted in 1902 to the Pacific Phosphate Company, Limited, provided for a royalty of 6d. per ton upon all exports of guano and other fertilising substances. From 1912 onwards the company paid an additional royalty of 6d. per ton for a trust fund to be used in the interests of the islanders. Particulars of the profits made or distributed by the company, whose operations were not confined to Ocean Island, are not on record in the Colonial Office. The native labourers on Ocean Island, in common with other British subjects, enjoy full Government protection. I do not know the actual wages to the native labourers but there is a minimum rate fixed by law. The other information requested is not available.
§ Major MILNERWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire and let me know?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERIt would take a good time to get the information, but I could write and inquire.
§ Major MILNERMany very serious allegations have been made of the exploitation of the phosphates in these islands and the very great mineral wealth there of which the natives are receiving no portion. Would the right hon. Gentleman get all the information he can on the subject?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI will endeavour to obtain the information, but I think the hon. and gallant Gentleman is wrong in supposing that the natives get nothing. In my main answer I said that in 1912 the company paid additional 351 royalties for a trust fund for the benefit of the islanders and that there is a minimum wage rate fixed.
§ Mr. LOUIS SMITHWhat prospect, if any, is there of bringing those British phosphates into this country, where hundreds of thousands of tons of foreign phosphates are used annually?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is making a statement.