asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what arrangements are contemplated in regard to the relations of Sarawak and North Borneo to his Department.

I have no statement to make at present as regards Sarawak, but I referred in my answer in the House on 22nd August to discussions proceeding with representatives of the British North Borneo Chartered Company with a view to the assumption by His Majesty's Government of direct responsibility for the administration of North Borneo. These discussions are not yet concluded.