§ Mr. RAMSAY MACDONALDasked the Secretary for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the prospectus of the Werompi (Ashanti) Rubber and Gold Concessions, Limited, stating that the company is to work about 100 square miles of territory, which are held under a concession or grant derived from the head chiefs of Werompi, for a period of 99 years at a yearly rental of not more than £300 in the aggregate until mining operations commence, and thereafter at a 426W yearly rental of not more than £300 for each one of 20 leases of five square miles that may be so worked; whether the Colonial Office was made aware of the negotiations which preceded the granting of such a lease; whether the Office satisfied itself that the chiefs were empowered to complete these negotiations, that the terms were adequate, and that proper safeguards were taken to protect the interests of the people; and whether, if this agreement has not been sanctioned by the Colonial Office, steps can now be taken to annul it?
Mr. HARCOURTAs I stated last Tuesday, in reply to a question put by my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme, I have no information on the subject, but I am making inquiries as to whether the leases have been approved. Leases of land in the Gold Coast would not, in the ordinary course, come before me or require my approval.