HC Deb 06 December 1938 vol 342 cc987-8
38. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the revenue derived from the Natives of Southern Rhodesia for 1932 and 1937, respectively; and the amount of the native development vote and the grant to missions for the same years?

Mr. M. MacDonald

As the answer contains a table of figures I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Sorensen

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the figures show that more is being taken from the natives than is being given back to them in the form of social services?

Mr. MacDonald

I think the hon. Member had better study the figures and draw his own conclusions. I could not agree with the conclusion he has suggested.

Mr. Sorensen

Will the right hon. Gentleman at least state whether the revenue is greater than the expenditure?

Mr. MacDonald

I should have to do an addition sum before answering that question, and perhaps the hon. Member will leave the matter where it is at present.

Following is the answer:

— 1932. 1937.
£ £
Total revenue from purely Native sources (including Native Tax). 362,668 423,125
Native Development—
(i) Vote 62,635 79,673
(ii) Expenditure from Loan Funds. 36,221 56,285
Grants to Missions 41,819 53,000
NOTE.—The figures given for the Native Development Vote (which are for the financial years 1932–33 and 1936–37) include the amounts of Grants to Missions.
Provision was also made under the Native Affairs Vote. For the years 1932–33 and 1936–37 this amounted to £123,974 and £164,145 respectively.