§ Sir R. COOPERasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has any knowledge of recent purchases of coco-nut estates in several of our Crown Colonies by a newly-formed alien company in Norway; and has the Government taken any steps since war broke out to prevent enemy aliens, acting through neutral countries, from acquiring properties in the British Empire?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have received privately certain representations as to the operations of such a company in regard to various parts of the Empire, but I have no information which throws light on those allegations. I am causing inquiries, to be made locally. Meanwhile, I may observe that legislation in His Majesty's Oversea Possessions generally for preventing dealings with enemy aliens has for the most, part closely followed the lines of similar legislation in the United Kingdom.