§ 25. Mr. PALINGasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will 2759 take steps to secure that some of the proceeds of the leasing of land for mines in the Gold Coast Colony shall be placed in native treasuries for local purposes, subject to Government audit and proper control?
Mr. J. H. THOMASI can assure the hon. Member that it is the policy of the local Government to encourage the institution of native treasuries for the purposes to which he refers. Progress in this direction depends largely, however, on the education of native opinion.
§ Mr. PALINGCan we be assured that some of these treasuries may be used for the benefit of the natives rather than for the benefit of individuals?
§ 26. Mr. PALINGasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the development of mining in the Gold Coast and of the frequent granting by chiefs of 99-year leases of land for mining without exaction of royalties, he will have the whole question of the granting of such leases put under the control, whether of the commissioner of lands or of some other official, with a view to protecting the natives' rights?
Mr. THOMASUnder the Concessions Ordinance, no concession in the Gold Coast Colony may be certified as valid if, in the opinion of the Supreme Court, it was made without adequate valuable consideration. I am satisfied that the rights of natives of the Gold Coast, in the matter to which the hon. Member refers, are sufficiently safeguarded by existing legislation.