HC Deb 12 February 1959 vol 599 cc1342-4
23. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Africans have died from dysentery, pneumonia and diarrhoea since 20th December, 1958, among those who were transferred from their homes to the Lubito settlement area of Northern Rhodesia to make way for the Kariba Dam; and what investigations have been made into the water supply in the resettlement areas.

Mr. J. Amery

I regret to say that there have been thirty-five deaths in the area since 20th December attributable wholly or in part to these diseases. Since health is an exclusively Federal subject, all the investigations following these deaths are in Federal hands, including investigations into the possibility that the infection was water-borne; but I have seen the Press communiqués issued by the Federal Government on 15th January from which it is evident that the spreading of infection must be attributed almost entirely to flies.

When, previously, Northern Rhodesian officials investigated complaints about the quality of drinking water supplies, some supplies were found too saline and alternative supplies were promptly arranged.

No contamination by bacteria was detected, but if such contamination were ever to be discovered, naturally alternative supplies would be arranged then also.

Mr. Rankin

The hon. Member must not try to pass the buck. Is he aware that in reply to an Adjournment debate which I initiated three years ago, the Colonial Secretary, through the Minister of State, assured Parliament that adequate preparations would be made for the reception in the new areas of those Africans who were displaced by the Kariba scheme? Is not it now crystal clear that those preparations were not made? Are not Her Majesty's Government, and not the Federal Government, responsible for that? Will not the hon. Member at least apologise to the House for the way these Africans have been treated, and will he assure us that there will be no further outbreaks of bacillary dysentery in this area?

Mr. Amery

I must reject the insinuation implied in the hon. Member's supplementary question.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Since the scheme involves the removal of Africans from land which they have traditionally occupied generation after generation, for as far back as history in this Territory dates, do not Her Majesty's Government have a special responsibility to ensure that in the transfer of Africans to other lands steps are taken to prevent outbreaks of this kind? Will the hon. Gentleman make it the business of the Colonial Office to make sure that these evils are eradicated as quickly as possible?

Mr. Rankin

On a point of order. May I have your guidance on this matter, Mr. Speaker? I have stated what appears in the record of the proceedings of the House. Are those insinuations? Do you allow the hon. Member to say that?

Mr. Speaker

That is not a point of order. If the hon. Member wishes to pursue the matter further, he should do so on the Adjournment.