§ 5. Mr. E. L. Mallalieuasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what facilities are available in Basutoland for the processing of the wool mohair produced in the territory.
§ Mr. AlportNone, Sir. Economic conditions are at present adverse to the establishment of this type of industry. The position is, however, kept under careful review by the Basutoland authorities.
§ Mr. MallalieuWas it not the view of the delegation which was over here recently that this commodity could be processed in the territory? Is it not important that there should be processing of natural resources inside the territory, having regard to the dependence on the Union?
§ Mr. AlportAs I said in answer to an earlier Question, we are most anxious that development of light industry should take place in this territory if possible. When I was in Southern Africa this year, I asked the C.D.C. management in that part of the country to go into this point carefully again. They have promised to do so. but I again warn the House that it is most important that any development of this sort should be based upon sound economics rather than cause a new disappointment to the Basuto people in the end by the failure of something upon which they place many cherished hopes.