§ 24. Mr. Palingasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any information about the Petroleum (Production) Ordinance, 1939, now being considered by the British Guiana Legislature; and whether the ordinance is meeting with any considerable opposition either in the Legislative Council or in the Colony?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI will send ťhe hon. Member a copy of the Bill which has been introduced in the Legislative Council of British Guiana to provide for the vesting in the Crown of the property in Petroleum and natural gas wiťhin the Colony, on the lines of the United Kingdom Petroleum (Production) Act, 1934.I understand that the Bill has met with some opposition.
§ Mr. PalingHas legislation somewhat similar to this been passed in any other British Colony, and, if so, does this Bill follow ťhat legislation in all particulars?
Mr. MacDonaldSimilar legislation has been passed in one or two other British territories at any rate, and in principle the legislation is the same.