HC Deb 25 October 1944 vol 404 cc168-9
63. Colonel Lyons

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can indicate the progress that has been made in erecting and organising rest compounds for migratory labour along the main routes in the outlying parts of the African Colonies.

Colonel Stanley

As the reply is necessarily long, I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the reply:

As regards the provision of rest camps for migrant labour in the Gold Coast, I have nothing to add to my reply of 2nd June, 1943, except to say that it is not considered that there is any need at present for the further development of the arrangements which I then described As regards Uganda, I would invite the attention of my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 2nd February this year, relating to the provision of accommodation on the main road to the Belgian Congo.

The Government of Tanganyika have built three additional labour camps this year, and 13 small camps or shelters have been established between some of the main camps. It is intended to complete a further 21 small camps during 1944.

The Governments of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland have continued to give close attention to the improvement and extension of amenities for travelling natives. In Northern Rhodesia nine new rest camps were built in 1942 on the route from Barotseland to Livingstone, while camps have also been provided on the Great North Road for the use of motor transport passengers. The construction of further camps continued during 1943 and three rest camps were completed in the Kaonde-Lunda Province, four more were built on the Great East Road and two on the motor road linking the Barotse Province with the Lusaka area. I regret that I have no details of recent progress in Nyasaland.