NORTHERN RHODESIA. (Hansard, 11 May 1938)

§ 36 and 37. Mr. Paling
asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (1.) what steps he has taken, or proposes to take, to carry out the view expressed by the commission on the financial and economic position in Northern Rhodesia that it is essential that the social services should be expanded, even if it should prove necessary for the Government to receive grants from His Majesty's Government;
(2) in view of the statement in the report of the commission into the financial and economic position of Northern Rhodesia, that the Government's difficulties in financing necessary expansion would be overcome if it received a larger proportion of the proceeds of the mining industry, what steps he proposes to take to ensure that a greater contribution to the Colony's revenues is made by that industry?

Mr. M. MacDonald
My Noble Friend is naturally anxious that the social services in Northern Rhodesia should be expanded where necessary; but he will not be in a position to make any statement as to the action to be taken on the report of the Financial and Economic Commission until he has received the observations and recommendations of the Northern Rhodesia Government.

§ Mr. Paling
In view of the fact that so many disturbances have taken place lately in various Colonies, arising in the main from the fact that the social services have not been extended, or to the fact in some cases that they do not exist, would it not be better if the Government took the initiative and put these social services into operation rather than wait for another disturbance before they do anything?

Mr. MacDonald
It is not proposed to wait until there is another disturbance. We propose to wait until we have received the observations on the recommendation of the local government responsible for the administration.

§ Mr. Paling
Is it not stated in the commission's report that these social services are lacking? What more is wanted before the Government do anything?

Mr. MacDonald
It is reasonable that we should wait until we get the observations on the report of the local administration.