36. Earl WINTERTONasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies 1309 whether any decision has been reached in regard to the locality in which the future administrative capital of Northern Rhodesia will be placed?
§ Dr. SHIELSThe reply is in the negative.
Earl WINTERTONCan the hon. Member say how much longer it will be before an announcement is made, seeing that eight months have elapsed since it was announced that the locality of the capital was to be changed? Is he aware that considerable injury is being caused to business interests in Northern Rhodesia by the entirely unnecessary delay of the Secretary of State in coming to a decision?
§ Dr. SHIELSI think the Noble Lord will be aware that the position is this: at the request of the Governor experts were sent from this country—town planning, engineering, and public health experts—to survey possible sites for the new capital. Those experts have not yet reported. We expect their reports soon, and they will be sent to the Governor, and we shall have them, with his recommendation, when they are available. I do not see that any complaint can be made against His Majesty's Government because of the fact that these experts have not yet reported.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREAre the experts in this country or in Rhodesia?
§ Dr. SHIELSI believe they are still in Rhodesia.