Lieut.-ColonelHENEAGE asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the terms under which Ocean Island is leased to the Nauru Phosphates Commission; and what return Great Britain receives for the lease?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREA licence to occupy Ocean Island for the purpose of removing guano and other fertilising substances was originally granted to the Pacific Islands Company, Limited, and subsequently transferred to the Pacific Phosphate Company, Limited. In 1920 the rights of the Pacific Phosphate Company, Limited, were acquired by purchase by His Majesty's Governments in Great Britain, the Commonwealth of Australia, and new Zealand. Since that time the phosphate deposits at Ocean Island, as well as those at Nauru, have been worked and the output sold under the direction of a Board of Commissioners appointed by the three Governments in accordance with the Agreement scheduled to the Nauru Island Agreement Act, 1920. Royalties amounting to one shilling per ton on the phosphate shipped from Ocean Island are at present payable, and payments are also made for lands acquired for the undertaking. The royalties accrue partly to the revenue of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony and partly to a special fund for the benefit of the natives. The Colony also derives other revenue from the undertaking directly and in-
— 1920. 1925. Jan.—Sept.1927. Tons. Tons. Tons. Steel Forgings produced … … 294,800 236,900 246,500 Exports: Steel Forgings in the rough … … 1,048 982 353 Railway Wheels, Axles and Tyres … … 68,015 40,015 45,264 Net Imports: Steel Forgings in the rough … … 594 6,643 9,907* Railway Wheels, Axles and Tyres … … 770 4,519 4,014* *Gross Imports. Re-exports are not important.