Captain P. MACOONALDasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies 1009W in reference to the proposal of the Government of Uganda to grant a concession for the exploitation of the fisheries of the Victoria Nile and the neighbouring swamps and waters, when the agreement with the proposed concessionaire was made; what is his name and place of residence; what are his qualifications for operating the concession; and what is the minimum amount of capital to be raised before the concession will be granted?
§ Dr. SHIELSThe agreement was signed on 10th March, 1931, between the Crown Agents for the Colonies acting on behalf of the Government of Uganda and Mr. R. A. Pelham Burn. Mr. Pelham Burn has resided in East Africa for many years, but he came to this country towards the end of 1929 and is now understood to be in London. My Noble Friend is not aware that Mr. Pelham Burn has any special qualifications for working the concession; but, as stated in the reply which I gave on 28th April, the concession will be worked by a company which is to be formed for the purpose, and the right will be reserved to the Government of Uganda to cancel the concession at any time after three years from the date on which it is granted, if it is not developed satisfactorily. The company to which the concession will be granted must have an authorised share capital of not less than £20,000, of which not less than £12,000 must be subscribed and fully paid up in cash before 10th March, 1932.