§ Mr. Gammansasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will report on the negotiations which have been started at the request of the Government of the U.S.A., for the extension of the U.S.-leased base in British Guiana; what steps are being taken to consult public opinion locally; and if he will give a pledge that no further leasing of British territory will be made before the question is discussed by this House.
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§ Mr. George HallThe United States Government have requested a supplementary lease of two small areas adjoining the U.S. leased base at Atkinson Field for the purpose of extending two runways of the airfield to permit safer emergency landings. This request is at present being considered in the Colony and technical advice is being obtained by the British Guiana Government. There is, of course, the fullest consultation with the Colonial Government, and they will naturally have very fully in view l6cal opinion on the matter.