HC Deb 24 October 1916 vol 86 cc975-6W
Mr. LESLIE SCOTT

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to permit neutrals as well as British and Allied subjects to bid at the auction of enemy properties and businesses in Nigeria which is to take place in London on the 31st instant?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I shall be glad to see purchases made by British or Allied persons or firms, but I am not prepared to prevent subjects of neutral Powers, who are not acting on behalf of enemy interests, from purchasing such properties.

Mr. SCOTT

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the British merchants and companies interested in Nigeria are willing to form a new company, exclusively British in regard to control and capital with official representation on the board, if desired, in order to acquire, manage, and develop the whole of the enemy properties and businesses now being offered for sale; and, if so, whether it would be in Imperial interests that the plan should be carried out subject to any exceptions that may be desirable on special grounds?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have been informed to this effect, but I am not prepared to say that it would be in the general interests that all these properties should be acquired by one company.

Mr. SCOTT

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, if His Majesty's Government is unwilling to carry out the plan of selling to an all-British company, the conditions of sale will contain effective provisions to prevent any such properties and businesses being secretly bought or run in enemy interests, or hereafter transferred to enemy individuals or to companies controlled in enemy interests; and whether the proposed conditions of sale can be laid upon the Table forthwith, in order that they may be considered by this House before the auction takes place?

Mr. BONAR LAW

An Ordinance will be introduced in the Legislative Council of the Colony of Nigeria and enacted by the Governor of the Protectorate by which effective provision will be made against the transfer of the immovable properties of enemy firms in Nigeria being secretly bought or carried on in enemy interests or hereafter transferred to enemy individuals or to companies controlled in enemy interests. I will lay the conditions of sale of these properties on the Table.