§ 2 and 3. Mr. Tilneyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) in view of the numbers recently engaged in illicit diamond mining, what steps the Government of Sierra Leone are taking to 1048 increase the opportunities for employment in the Colony;
(2) what schemes of development have been planned for the Kono area of Sierra Leone.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Julian Amery)The Sierra Leone Government cannot, at present, afford to start large new schemes outside the diamond areas to employ those who have been mining diamonds illicitly. However, a special plan of development for the Kono area has been approved by the Sierra Leone Government. £88,000 is to be spent on it in the year ending on 31st March, and a further £100,000 has been allocated for next year. The works to be carried out by the Central Government include improved road communications, water and electricity supplies, two new schools, a hospital and a number of health centres.
§ Mr. TilneyWill my hon. Friend bear in mind the importance of agriculture for the economy of a country like Sierra Leone, especially the plantation system, whether on a co-operative or a company basis?
§ Mr. J. JohnsonWhy is it that when Kono men are excluded from their own country, so to speak, from the district where they were born, for alleged illicit diamond mining, they are not allowed to appeal to the Supreme Court about the decision of the local magistrate or whoever it may be?
§ Mr. AmeryI think that is an important point. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question.