HC Deb 15 November 1928 vol 222 cc1130-1W
Mr. AMMON

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, as the Commonwealth Trust sub-let upon long leases many of the Basle Company's properties in the Gold Coast, whether, in the settlement, provision was made for the breaking of these leases; whether he can give any estimate of the compensation involved in breaking the leases; and whether liability for this compensation will devolve upon the people of the Gold Coast Colony, the Commonwealth Trust, or the British Government?

Mr. AMERY

No, Sir. The rents in respect of the leased properties are being paid by the Trust to the Government of the Gold Coast, which will in turn transfer them to the Basle Trading Company. No question of breaking the leases or of compensation has yet arisen, and the longest lease of which I have any in- formation expires on 30th June, 1930, and the properties will of course revert to the Basle Trading Company as the leases fall in.