LAGOS (LANDS ACQUISITION).

HC Deb 05 May 1938 vol 335 cc1068-9W

Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, arising out of the Igbosere road expropriation scheme in Lagos, the provision as to costs in Section 19 of the Local Lands Acquisition Ordinance can be made as generous as those in Section 34 of the Lands Clauses Act, 1845; and, in view of the fact that the whole area is in a built-up urban plot of land and it is difficult for 52 houses to prove their titles within a limited period, whether he will see that no land is taken without compensation?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore:

The Nigerian Law follows the ordinary Colonial practice, and I regret that I see no sufficient reason for altering it. With regard to the second part of the question, the Public Lands Acquisition Ordinance provides for the payment of compensation, and compensation will, of course, be paid in all proper cases.