§ 27. Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Africans it is proposed to move from their homes in the Cwembe Valley in Northern Rhodesia during 1957–58 in connection with the Kariba Hydro-Electric Scheme; what will be the cost of the operation; and what provision is being made to pay compensation to, and 1115 ensure alternative accommodation for, the Africans thereby displaced.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI have asked the Governor for this detailed information and will write to the hon. Member as soon as I have it.
§ Mr. SwinglerWhilst thanking the Secretary of State for that reply, may I ask if he is aware that there is still a great deal of anxiety and fear among these people about their being pushed around? Would he, therefore, when he receives the plan made for their resettlement and compensation, be willing to publish it in a report to the House?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydCertainly. I went in detail into resettlement when I went there lately.
§ Mr. BaldwinIs my right hon. Friend aware that the Africans who have been moved to make room for the Kariba scheme are living in better houses and under better conditions than before they were moved?
Mr. Creech JonesMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is fully satisfied that these alternative sites are suitable to the Africans, and, further, whether the transfers which are taking place and have taken place have received the full co-operation of the displaced Africans?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe alternative sites are, of course, of varying quality, and I am very conscious of the need to see that Africans are displaced to adequate alternative accommodation. I had talks with some of those mostly concerned when I was there, and I have made personal undertakings to them, as far as I constitutionally can, to watch what happens with the greatest care.