asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether, in connection with the lately defined mining area of the Pacific Phosphate Company on Ocean Island, the payment by the company which was under consideration by him on 5th December, 1911, has yet been settled; and, if so, will he state what the payment will amount to per ton of phosphate?

The negotiations are practically concluded and the royalty in future will be 1s. a ton instead of 6d. a ton.