HC Deb 20 April 1955 vol 540 cc167-8
24. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what discussions he has had with the Portuguese Government regarding the Shire Valley dam and irigation scheme in Nyasaland.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

Discussions held with the Portuguese Government when the Shire Valley scheme was the responsibility of the Nyasaland Government are summarised in an exchange of notes between Her Majesty's Government and the Portuguese Government, published as Cmd. 8855 in January, 1953. The Shire Valley scheme has been the responsibility of the Government of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland since July, 1954.

Mr. Johnson

Will the right hon. Gentleman do his best to see that this does not get too far down the queue now that the Shire Valley scheme seems to be about to begin, because this is of vital importance for the future of the Colony?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I can assure the hon. Member that that is so, and I cannot sufficiently anticipate the pleasure with which I will tackle this particular problem after a renewed mandate.