§ 2. Mr. Brockwayasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what agreement has been reached between the Rhodesian Selection Trust and the Bamangwato tribal authority in Bechuanaland fox the exploitation of mineral resources.
§ Mr. BraineI assume that the hon. Member is referring to the mineral concession granted by the Bamangwato Tribe to Bamangwato Concessions Ltd., a company in the Rhodesian Selection Trust Group. Details of this concession were given to the House on 2nd March, 1960, in reply to a Question by the right hon. Member fox Wakefield (Mr. Creech Jones).
§ Mr. BrockwayHas there not been some development since? Can the hon. Gentleman say whether, for example, the Africans who are employed are to be allowed to enter skilled trades and whether trade unions will be permitted under this agreement? Can the hon. Gentleman also indicate how far the profits will pass to the Bamangwato tribe?
§ Mr. BraineThe company is carrying out extensive prospecting at present in the selected areas. These operations take time. As regards employment, the occasion has not yet arisen for the employment of much skilled labour, but some Bamangwato have been engaged in semi-skilled work, and the company has established mining schools in two centres.
As regards the benefits to the tribe—and, after all, the agreement was freely entered into between the tribe and the company—the company will pay the tribe at the rate of £3,000 per annum during the period of exclusive exploration rights. This is quite apart from a rental of about £2,000 per annum, and, of course, any mining company formed will pay the tribe a royalty of 15 per cent. of the excess of sales revenue over costs.
§ Mr. BrockwayWhat about the trade unions?
§ Mr. BraineI have no information on that matter. If the hon. Gentleman cares to put down a Question I will do my best to answer it.