asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement concerning an agreement with the British North Borneo (Chartered) Company to assume control of the territory.

I would invite reference to my predecessor's reply to the hon. Member for Hornsey (Mr. Gammans) on 19th June last. The agreement providing for the transfer of the North Borneo rights and assets from the British North Borneo Company to the Crown, was signed on 26th June last, and the transfer was effected on 15th July