HC Deb 05 April 1960 vol 621 cc168-9
7. Mr. Albu

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what financial support he poposes to provide for the Technical Foundation on the Copper Belt in Northern Rhodesia.

Mr. Alport

My right hon. Friend has no proposals for providing financial assistance for the Technical Foundation.

Mr. Albu

If this matter is again considered, as I understand it has already been considered, in view of the severe disabilities under which Africans suffer in the Rhodesias in learning skilled trades and getting technical education, will the right hon. Gentleman assure us that no assistance will be given to the development of this foundation unless it takes students of all races?

Mr. Alport

The Colonial Secretary is well aware of the aim of continuing African advancement in technical trades and professions. At a meeting of the board of governors on 23rd November last, the chairman proposed that better detailed consideration should be given to the proposal to admit Africans and that a comprehensive survey should be undertaken of the admissions for technical education, the nature of the tuition needed and the capacity of the industry to absorb trained persons. As the hon. Member knows, this foundation is a private one and, from a financial point of view, the Government would be interested in giving any financial assistance only if it were a multi-racial foundation.

Mr. Osborne

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a month ago I was on the Copper Belt and I found a great deal of dissatisfaction among the black workers that they were not entitled to go to the Copper Belt Foundation? Is he aware that the copper companies offered to build a similar foundation for the black workers? Why was that refused and by whom? Will he see that there is another foundation established for the black workers?

Mr. Alport

If my hon. Friend wishes to press me on that matter he should put down another Question. My right hon. Friend is well aware of the importance of extending the technical training which is available to Africans in Northern Rhodesia, but this foundation is a private foundation established by the copper mining companies for their own purposes in their own industry.