HC Deb 23 January 1958 vol 580 c1233
24. Sir L. Plummer

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what schemes have been introduced in the copper mining areas of Northern Rhodesia for voluntary home ownership to assist Europeans to own and live in their own houses outside the mine townships.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Profumo)

The mining companies allow European employees to draw for house purchase upon savings accumulated under the Copper Bonus Scheme. They pay those living in their own private houses an allowance of £30 a month. Mine employees are eligible for a 90 per cent. building society loan under the General Territorial Scheme sponsored by Government if the value of the house is not more than £3,500.

Sir L. Plummer

Would the Under-Secretary recommend to the Government of Northern Rhodesia that these excellent schemes should not be prosecuted at the expense of African townships?

Mr. Profumo

I do not think there is any need to make that recommendation.