HC Deb 28 July 1936 vol 315 cc1285-6
1. Mr. LUNN

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs why natives are refused licences to work mines in Southern Rhodesia?

The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)

I am informed by the Government of Southern Rhodesia that natives have received prospecting licences in the past, and that no native in a position to carry out mining operations effectively will be refused such a licence.

Mr. LUNN

Could not these mines be worked far more economically by natives than by Europeans?

Mr. MacDONALD

I should require notice of that question and give it very careful consideration before offering an opinion.

Mr. PALING

Cannot some of these mines be worked almost without capital by natives if they can get licences?

Mr. MacDONALD

If that is so, there is nothing to prevent them from getting licences.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Is it not a fact that Rhodesian mine-owners employing natives with a small percentage of British foremen become comparatively affluent?

3. Mr. CREECH JONES

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will consider taking steps to modify the prison regulations in Southern Rhodesia which, as framed to-day, permit of the imposition on natives in prison of 12 cuts of the lash for 29 different types of prison disciplinary offences, including careless work, conversing with another prisoner, and singing or having in his cell any unauthorised article?

Mr. M. MacDONALD

As these regulations do not differentiate between natives and persons of European descent, the matter is constitutionally one for the Southern Rhodesia Government alone, and I have no power to act as the hon. Member suggests.

Mr. CREECH JONES

Is not the justification for the maintenance of these regulations that the majority of the prison population is made up of natives and, in view of the new pass laws, which will involve the imprisonment of a large number of additional natives, is not the right hon. Gentleman prepared to make recommendations for the modification of these regulations?

Mr. MacDONALD

The position is as I have stated it. There is no discrimination, and I have no power in the matter.

Mr. PALING

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the number of convictions for these petty offences committed by natives has gone up enormously in the last few years, and is it not time he exercised some supervision over this business?

Mr. MacDONALD

The number has gone up roughly in proportion to the increase in the number of natives.