HC Deb 09 February 1944 vol 396 cc1747-9
14. Sir Herbert Williams

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is in a position to make any statement as to the effect of the reduced imports of copper on the position in Northern Rhodesia.

17. Mr. Edmund Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the decision of the Government to reduce the purchase of copper from the Northern Rhodesia mines by 20 to 25 per cent., he can make a statement as to the economic effect of this measure, both as regards the public revenue of Northern Rhodesia and the employment of African labour; and what steps are being taken to obviate unemployment amongst the African mineworkers.

21. Mr. E. P. Smith

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the proposal to reduce the output of Rhodesian copper; and if he has any statement to make on the position.

The Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Mr. Emrys-Evans)

I have been asked to reply. As stated in the recent announcement by the Government of Northern Rhodesia, the effect of the cut in purchases by His Majesty's Government on employment is to be discussed by the Government with the managements of the companies, the Mine Workers' Union and the staff associations. Pending the result of these discussions, my right hon. and gallant Friend is not in a position to state exactly what the effect will be, but there is no reason to anticipate unemployment. With regard to the effect of the cut on the finances of the Northern Rhodesia Government, it will necessarily lead to a reduction in revenue in 1945, but how large this will be it is not possible to say at the present stage.

Sir H. Williams

Is this due to the fact that there is enough copper in the world?

Mr. Emrys-Evans

I understand that there is another Question on the Paper on that subject addressed to the Ministry of Supply.

Mr. Harvey

Will there be in these discussions any representative of the African mineworkers, who are not represented in the Mine Workers' Union?

Mr. Emrys-Evans

No, they will be represented by the Government of Northern Rhodesia.

Earl Winterton

Is my hon. Friend aware that there is a large number of white miners whose sole employment has always been copper mining? What does he propose to do about the serious state of unemployment which will arise, unless there is some alternative employment prepared for them?

Mr. Emrys-Evans

I think there is no shortage of employment in Southern Africa as a whole.

Earl Winterton

Is my hon. Friend prepared to receive representations on the part of the Mine Workers' Union of Northern Rhodesia?

Mr. Emrys-Evans

I will discuss that with my right hon. and gallant Friend.

Mr. Harvey

As the African workers will suffer more than anyone else from unemployment, surely they ought to be represented.

Mr. Emrys-Evans

There is no shortage of employment in Northern Rhodesia and that is not likely to arise.