HC Deb 05 May 1959 vol 605 cc197-8
9. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware of the growing unemployment in Nyasaland, particularly in the building and civil engineering trades of Blantyre Limbe; and what steps he is taking in this matter to help the Nyasaland Government to deal with the situation.

Mr. J. Amery

Yes, Sir. The unemployment is partly due to the completion of several large Government contracts in Blantyre and Limbe and partly to the current trade recession in the Federation. The recent deteriorating political atmosphere has also checked private investment.

I share the Governor's hope that the measures recently taken will encourage its resumption. The Nyasaland and Federal Governments between them expect to place contracts to the value of some half million pounds during the next few months for public works. They are fully alive to the need for providing employment opportunities.

Mr. Johnson

Is it not a fact that the only argument ever adduced for Nyasaland joining the Federation was an economic one, and that now we have this territory moving into a slump? Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that not only Africans but European and Asian communities think that they are Cinderellas compared with more fashionable Southern Rhodesia? Besides public works, why do we not begin the scheme for the Shire Valley dam, because unless we provide electricity and electric power we cannot contemplate any massive injection of secondary industries there, and, obviously, the Africans will not get jobs?

Mr. Amery

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put on the Order Paper a Question on that subject. It would be quite wrong to give the impression, which I think his supplementary question did a little bit, that the Federation was no longer giving economic advantage to Nyasaland. It still is, to a very great degree.

Mr. Johnson

I did not say that, but there are 5,000 unemployed in these places, and European mechanics are leaving to go back to Southern Rhodesia. This is a serious position, which shakes the confidence of the people, whether Africans, Europeans or Asians, in the future of Nyasaland.

Mr. Amery

I told the hon. Member that we were well aware of the problem and are trying to meet it. I only commented on the implications of his supplementary question.

Mr. Gower

Is it not a fact that since Federation the Federal Government have assumed very substantial financial obligations with respect to Nyasaland?

Mr. Amery

Yes, indeed, Sir.