§ 12. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action the Government of Northern Rhodesia intend to take to remove discrimination against Africans who are not allowed to undertake skilled occupations in Northern Rhodesia.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydExcept for restrictions arising from the agreements which have been made by certain trade unions 926 and employers, notably in the copper mining industry, there is no limitation on the opportunities for skilled African workers to follow their trades in Northern Rhodesia. Relaxation of some of the restrictions on the Copperbelt has been achieved by collective bargaining between the European and African Unions and the companies concerned. The Government welcome this advance, and would certainly welcome further advance, but agree with the view of the Forster Board of Inquiry in 1955 that the solution of this problem rests upon the parties engaged in the industry.
§ Mr. StonehouseIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, although there is no legal discrimination, there are great social and other discriminations which are preventing Africans from following skilled occupations which, a few miles away in the Belgian Congo, they could undertake? Will he look further at this matter to see whether steps cannot be taken to improve the Africans' chances?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI am not one of those who need educating in this matter. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will use all his influence with those people who are still in a position to make it difficult, but I think that there has been remarkable progress, and I must emphasise that in a question of this kind, where everyone has right, of a kind, on his side, it is necessary to proceed by agreement.