§ 32. Mr. E. L. Mallalieuasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the present number of unemployed workers in the tin mining industry in Nigeria; what alternative employment has been found for them; and what proposals are being considered by the industry and Government of Nigeria for the future of the mines, in view of the latest decisions of the International Tin Council.
§ Mr. ProfumoThe labour force has dropped by 22,000 between June, 1957, and June, 1958, but only about 500 have registered as unemployed. The remainder have returned home to work on their farms or have obtained employment elsewhere in Nigeria. If there is continued large-scale redundancy and unemployment resulting in hardship, the Federal and Northern Region Governments will be prepared to consider advancing certain building and development projects in the worst affected areas in order to provide some alternative employment. The extension of the railway from Jos to Maiduguri is expected to begin within the next two months and 1145 in recruiting the labour force for this work preference will be given to unemployed miners.
§ Mr. MallalieuCan the hon. Member say whether plans are being made for the re-assembly of this labour force when full production is possible again?
§ Mr. ProfumoI do not think that any active plans are being made, but I judge that it will not be very difficult to reassemble the labour force.