§ Major EDMONDSONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the amount of interest on capital and sinking fund charges paid annually by the Nauru/Ocean Island undertaking to the owning Governments; and what does this charge represent per ton of output?
Mr. THOMASThe amount of interest on capital and sinking fund charges paid annually by the Nauru/Ocean Island undertaking to the owning Governments is £224,053, representing up to 31st December, 1923, a charge of about 12s. 6d. per ton.
§ Major EDMONDSONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can guarantee that, under Article 14 of the Nauru Island Agreement, the present allotment of 42 per cent. of the output of Nauru/Ocean Island phosphate will be available for the United Kingdom at any time in the future; and, if this guarantee cannot be given, what provision is being made against emergencies and dependence upon foreign sources for supplies of this essential product?
Mr. THOMASIt is not possible for me to give any guarantee with regard to the results of future readjustments between the three Governments concerned under Article 14 of the Nauru Island Agreement. I must refer the hon. Member to the Minister of Agriculture for a reply to the latter part of his question.