§ 1. Mr. Brockwayasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what plans have been made for economic development in Basutoland, including a mineral survey, the provision of afforestation and light industries, and the use of United Nations technical assistance.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. C. J. M. Alport)I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to a Question by the right hon. Member for Rochester and Chatham (Mr. Bottomley) on 11th December.
In reply to the specific matters referred to in the Question, there is little sign of the presence of minerals, apart from diamonds, in Basutoland, but as I said in the House on Monday, 15th December, I am considering whether there is a case for a further mineral survey to be undertaken there.
As the production of timber in Basutoland on a commercial scale would have to be at the expense of agricultural land, the present policy is to establish small plantations to supply fuel and building timber, and to control soil erosion.
The possibility of establishing light industries for processing wool, mohair, hides and other local products is under investigation.
United Nations technical assistance has been enlisted for a nutrition survey, which is still proceeding.
§ Mr. BrockwayWhile I appreciate what has been done, may I ask the hon. Member whether he will give very urgent and dynamic attention to this matter? Is 1280 it not a trump card in the hand of the Union of South Africa that so many people from Basutoland have to go to Johannesburg to get a job? Is it not very important for the defence of Basutoland that we should engage in very bold economic development?
§ Mr. AlportIf it is to be of value to Basutoland, economic development in Basutoland must be successful and based on a sound economic basis. In so far as we are able to do that, we are as anxious as anybody to ensure that progress is made.