HC Deb 22 February 1956 vol 549 cc370-1
39. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what plans the Government of Northern Rhodesia have to develop the sugar industry in the Girembe Native Reserve; whether the African inhabitants have been consulted; and how far it is proposed to establish African co-operative societies for this purpose.

Mr. Hare

Plans to develop up to 8,000 acres for sugar growing in the Gwembe Native Reserve are now being considered; but no decision has yet been reached on the scheme itself or on the use of co-operative societies. The Native Authority in the area has been consulted and is in favour of the scheme.

Mr. Rankin

While thanking the Minister for that Answer, may I ask him if he will assure us that the land in this Reserve will not be alienated from the natives, as was done in a similar project on the other side of the Zambesi? Secondly, could he not utilise the services of the African co-operative societies in the purchase of the seed and the marketing of the sugar.

Mr. Hare

I will certainly bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman has said, but I think that we must wait to hear again from the Government of the territory before we can make any other arrangement.

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