§ 22. Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent housing segregation on racial lines still exists in Northern Rhodesia; and to what extent it is Government policy to eliminate this as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThere is no law to compel members of different races to live in separate areas. Housing segregation on racial lines exists only to the extent that local authorities are required by law to provide housing areas for the benefit of Africans employed within their boundaries.
§ Mr. FisherWill my right hon. Friend recognise that in certain areas in Northern Rhodesia—and, certainly, in the Copperbelt—there is, in fact if not in law, a good deal of housing segregation on racial lines? Will he do his best to get this broken down, particularly for the emergent middle-class type of African who could afford to buy a better house in a better area if he were allowed to do so?
§ Mr. MacleodNorthern Rhodesia has recently made splendid strides in these matters, as I am sure the House will recognise. The explanation of the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question may well be that many of the 1423 largest employers of labour in Africa including, in this particular case, the mining companies do provide housing for Africans.
§ Mr. G. M. ThomsonWould it not assist the right hon. Gentleman in his endeavours if he were to democratise local authorities a good deal more in Northern Rhodesia?
§ Mr. FisherHear, hear.