HC Deb 13 March 1957 vol 566 cc1127-8
23. Mr. Sydney Irving

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what concession has been made in the Southern Cameroons to the Estate and Agency Company Limited which is establishing a 4,000-acre tea estate at Ndu, north of Bamenda.

Mr. Profumo

The Southern Cameroons Government propose to grant the Company a 99-year right of occupancy over about 3,900 acres. The terms of the grant are still under negotiation, but the Company has been given permission to enter the land, and planting began in January.

Mr. Irving

Is it not highly unfortunate that in a development of this kind the co-operative movement has been overlooked, because it is the type of development which will give benefits to the people and help to develop them towards independence? Can the right hon. Gentleman not look further into this matter when future concessions are given?

Mr. Profumo

I will certainly undertake to look into this, but I certainly think that these arrangements are the best in the circumstances.

Mr. Tilney

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that what we want, and what the Cameroons want, is capital from outside to help the indigenous people?

Mr. Profumo

I think that that is perfectly true.