HC Deb 02 August 1956 vol 557 cc1586-7
36. Mr. Brockway

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what negotiations are in progress for the granting of concessions for the exploitation of iron ore in Swaziland and of diamonds in Basutoland; and if he will ensure that the concessions will be for a limited period, permitting subsequent public ownership, will exclude racial discrimination among the employees, and will allow for trade union organisation and recognition.

Commander Noble

Several concerns have shown interest in acquiring rights to mine iron ore in Swaziland, but no firm proposals have yet been received by the Swaziland Government. A grant of exclusive rights to prospect for and to mine diamonds in Basutoland was made by the Paramount Chief on 9th March, 1955, and was approved by the then Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations.

It is not the policy of Her Majesty's Government to limit the period of concessions in order to permit subsequent public ownership. Under the Basutoland diamond agreement, the company is required to employ as few Europeans and as many Basuto as possible. It is also required as far as possible to train Basuto to replace Europeans in all capacities. The laws of both Swaziland and Basutoland provide machinery for the registration and regulation of trade unions and for the ordinary settlement of trade disputes.

Mr. Brockway

Again I thank the hon. and gallant Gentleman for that very full reply. Is he aware of the widespread uneasiness, particularly among all the population of Swaziland, regarding concessions for iron ore development, and whether, as in the case of Bechuanaland, the ownership of the mineral rights and the decision will be in the hands of the tribal authority there?

Commander Noble

In answer to the last part of that question, I may say that I made it quite clear last night that that is the case. I think also that, from what I said last night the hon. Member and the House can have no doubts that we shall do everything possible to maintain the interests of the African people.