HC Deb 03 May 1950 vol 474 c1673
12. Mr. J. Grimston

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when it is proposed to start erection of a dam on the Kafue River in Northern Rhodesia for the large scale generation of electricity there.

Mr. J. Griffiths

A decision whether or not to carry out this project, which cannot be considered separately from the Kariba Gorge project, must await the recommendations of the Commission referred to by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations in his reply to the hon. Member on 20th April.

Mr. Grimston

Do I understand from that reply that the Commission are investigating both cases because I understood it was investigating the Kafue scheme only?

Mr. Griffiths

Yes, but the investigation into the one will effect considerations regarding the other.

Mr. Grimston

It certainly will, but the point of my Question was whether they are specifically required to investigate both schemes or only one.

Mr. Griffiths

The position we have taken up is that we had better await the findings of the Commission and consider the matter in the light of their report.