§ 27. Mr. Fenner Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the dormitory system of accommodating labour is to be applied at the new copper mines at Kilembe, Uganda; and if he will instruct the Governor to insist upon a family system of accommodation.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Oliver Lyttelton)Dormitory accommodation is interpreted in Uganda as meaning the housing of more than eight persons in one room. That is forbidden by the Uganda Employment Rules. I understand that the management of the mines at Kilembe intends to provide family accommodation for at least 60 per cent. of its staff.
§ Mr. Fenner BrockwayWill the right hon. Gentleman discuss this matter with the Governor of Uganda, who I am sure will be sympathetic to the point of view that family accommodation is much more preferable, in order to prevent the introduction in Uganda of the segregation of sexes in the dormitory system that there is in South Africa?
§ Mr. LytteltonThe hon. Member must not assume that all the employees of the Kilembe Mines will be married. Sixty per cent. of the accommodation will be married quarters, and we shall have to look a little later to see whether that is sufficient.