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Mineral Royalties

Volume 462: debated on Wednesday 16 March 1949

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34.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made respecting the inquiry into the disposal of mineral royalties in Nigeria; and when is a report likely to be made public.

As the matter is still under consideration it is not possible to make a statement at present.

Does the Under-Secretary appreciate that this has been going on for a long time and that there is ambiguity in the whole matter? In view of the interest in this matter, will the Under-Secretary see that a report is made at the earliest possible date?

In view of the fact that these mineral rights depend on an agreement made in 1898 and thus were handed over to the Nigerian company on the assumption that they were worth less than £1 million, whereas the company has received over £3 million, will my hon. Friend do his utmost to bring this matter to a conclusion?