§ 62. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what are the terms of his approval for the adjustment of the boundaries of the two native reserves in Northern Rhodesia known as Tonga Magoya and Tonga Choma as a result of the flooding of the Zambesi Valley above the Kariba Dam and for any adjustment above the water level of the lake and for the adjustment required as compensation for the loss of such areas; and if he will give the text of the directions issued for the acquisition from Native Trust land of the flooded land and of any Native Trust land above water level acquired for other purposes.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Julian Amery)Provisions relating to land flooded as a result of closing the Kariba Dam and to land required for other purposes in the Gwembe District are contained in the 1296 Northern Rhodesia (Gwembe District) Order in Council. This was laid before Parliament today. No boundary adjustment or acquisition is involved.
§ Mr. RankinIs it not the case that the Secretary of State is bound to preserve the rights and interests of the Africans in the Native Trust and in the Reserve lands and can only abrogate them if they are put to a public use? Is it the case that that is not so in these particular adjustments which are now being made? Can the hon. Gentleman say whether or not riparian rights which the Africans had on the Zambesi are to be conserved in the new Kariba Dam?
§ Mr. AmeryWe have every reason to think that the situation that will arise will be more advantageous economically to the African community residing there than the situation existing hitherto, but perhaps the hon. Member will study the Order in Council in detail.