§ 20. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made by the Northern Rhodesian Government in resettling the African 961 tribesmen and their families who are being moved from the Zambesi valley bottom following the flooding of their lands under the Kariba Dam scheme.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydAbout 450 Africans, in four villages, have so far been moved and it is expected that about 16,000 will be moved in 1957–58. I have placed in the library a copy of a Report tabled by the Government of Northern Rhodesia in the Legislative Council on 25th March giving full details of the resettlement programme up to 31st December, 1957. I shall be receiving copies of similar reports which the Northern Rhodesian Government will be making to the Legislative Council and will likewise place these in the Library.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs the Minister aware that these are very simple people, many of them in skins and many of whom have never seen a white man in their lives? Is he aware that the district commissioner is having difficulty in finding decent soil and good land in the Tonga plateau above the escarpment? Will he give his personal attention to this very important matter, as there is a lot of anxiety in the Colony?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI am acutely conscious of the human implications of this problem, and I looked into the problem with care when I was in Rhodesia. I pledge myself to do what the hon. Member asks.