§ 31. Mr. E. Harveyasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken by the Government during the last two years to implement the report of Major Orde Browne on labour conditions in Northern Rhodesia?
§ Mr. George HallThe most important of the recommendations contained in Major Orde Browne's report, namely, the creation of new machinery to deal with labour matters, has been adopted by the Government of Northern Rhodesia. A Labour Commissioner was appointed in 1938; and a separate Labour Department was created last year, and is in process of expansion. The Labour Commissioner has been appointed chairman of the Native Industrial Labour Advisory Board. An officer of the Department has been stationed in Southern Rhodesia to safeguard the interests of Northern Rhodesia natives working in that territory. Considerable progress has been made in improving the conditions in the Copper-belt since 1938 as the result of the appointment of welfare officers and welfare sisters, the building of schools and the provision of additional amenities for the mine workers and their families. Questions of recruitment and the control of immigration are receiving the attention of Government. Effect has been given by amending legislation to Major Orde Browne's recommendations for the improvement of the Employment of Natives Ordinance and of the regulations made under it.
§ Mr. HarveyWhile thanking the Minister for his reply, may I ask him whether attention was also given to Major Orde Browne's statement about the urgent need of the enlargement of native reserves, as he said two and a quarter years ago that the position was critical?
§ Mr. HarveyIf the position was critical two and a quarter years ago, what action has been taken?