HC Deb 14 February 1951 vol 484 c393
32. Mr. Parker

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement on the action taken by the Uganda Government to assist Uganda Africans to gin their own cotton.

Mr. Dugdale

Yes, Sir. It is the policy of the Uganda Government to provide for the participation of Africans in the ginning industry. The way in which this policy should be developed is being considered and proposals will be published later in the year. Arrangements will also be made to train Africans in the technical and managerial branches of the industry. Meanwhile, the Uganda Government has recently arranged for a second ginnery to be operated during the coming season by the Uganda Growers' Co-operative Union in addition to the ginnery already leased to the Union at Ngogwe.

Mr. A. Fenner Brockway

While expressing appreciation for that answer, may I ask my right hon. Friend to consider, in any reorganisation of the ginneries in Uganda, that the Africans should have direct representation on the boards of control?

Mr. Dugdale

We will consider that point, among others. I do not think that I should make a statement before we have been able to consider the report in full.