HC Deb 18 October 1950 vol 478 cc2027-8
16. Mr. T. Reid

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement on the selling as freehold, instead of leasing, Crown lands in Northern Rhodesia.

Mr. J. Griffiths

In accordance with the terms of a Motion passed by the Northern Rhodesia Legislative Council at its June Session, the question of changing the present system in Northern Rhodesia of leasehold tenure of Crown lands to a system under which freehold grants of Crown lands would be made has been referred to a Select Committee of the Council. Pending the Select Committee's report and the receipt of the views of the Governor of Northern Rhodesia with respect to its recommendations, I have no statement to make.

Mr. Reid

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is more convenient for people without much capital to get access to land when the land is leased, instead of having to find large sums of capital with which to buy it outright?

Mr. Griffiths

I appreciate that, but I think that we had better await the results of the deliberations of the Select Committee.