HC Deb 04 February 1948 vol 446 cc1783-4
31. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what regulations govern the acquisition of land by Governors and officials of his Department in the Colonies in which they serve.

Mr. Creech Jones

I assume that my hon. Friend has in mind officers in the service of the Colonial Governments. I would refer to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Banbury (Mr. Dodds-Parker) on 13th November, 1947. The matter is governed in general by Colonial regulations and in particular by the general orders of the Colonial territory concerned.

Mr. Rankin

May I ask my right hon. Friend if there is anything in these regulations which prevents the Governor of any Colony from acquiring land?

Mr. Creech Jones

There are some regulations which permit the Governor or any other official to secure land but it has to be done by permission and by the Governor in Council.

Mr. Rankin

Is the Colonial Secretary aware that that is creating a great deal of dissatisfaction for the reason that the Governor by virtue of his position is supposed to be impartial, and if he intends to settle when he retires then he loses his position of impartiality as between the settler and the native?

Mr. Creech Jones

As far as I know there has been no abuse of the regulations. I will look into the matter again.