§ Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of 844W the grievance of the peasants in the mining areas in Ilerha, Nigeria, and their claim to £14,000 compensation, based on 3d. per tree, arising out of the defacement of their land and the destruction of economic trees through mining development; and whether, as Section 17 of the Mineral Ordinance in practice has operated adversely to the interest of the peasants and some of the mining areas have ceased to be worked, he will enable the claimants to compensation now effectually to secure redress from the owners.
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansI have been asked to reply. My right hon. and gallant Friend has no information regarding the claim referred to, but he is calling for a report from the Governor and will communicate further with the hon. Member when this has been received.