§ Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the minerals ordinance, to be considered by the Nigerian Legislative Council in March, provides for the adequate compensation for the destruction of live crops owing to mining operations; what proceeds from mining will accrue to the native administration; in what manner African communities in the Bauchi Plateau and Hesba areas will benefit; and whether African representatives in the protectorate have been consulted.
§ Colonel StanleyThe Ordinance, which has been prepared after most exhaustive inquiry, is designed to bring the Nigerian law into line with accepted mining practice. It provides for the payment of adequate compensation for the destruction of growing crops, and gives the Governor power to require the restoration of agricultural land to its original condition after mining. In these and other ways the Ordinance will undoubtedly benefit the African communities concerned. I am consulting the Governor on the other points to which my hon. Friend refers.