HC Deb 22 January 1963 vol 670 cc16-7
19. Mr. Healey

asked the Secretary for Technical Co-operation what arrangements he has now made for training Africans from Northern Rhodesia in administration.

Mr. Vosper

My Department regularly arranges training in administration in this country for Africans from Northern Rhodesia at the request of the Northern Rhodesia Government. Consultations are in progress about meeting the new needs in the future. I am sending the hon. Member particulars of the range of training now being provided here.

Mr. Healey

In view of the probability that Northern Rhodesia will be achieving independence under an African Government within the next year or two, will the right hon. Gentleman press on with this matter, because there is at the present time a very serious shortage of Africans trained in administration in the territory?

Mr. Vosper

Yes, Sir, but my responsibilities are to provide the facilities and meet the requests of the Northern Rhodesia Government. If they request more training facilities here, or assistance in Northern Rhodesia, I shall do my best to meet them.

Mr. Pavitt

Can the right hon. Gentleman state whether he is using to the full the courses in administration previously established by the Colonial Office, such as that at the Co-operative College at Stanford Hall for training people in co-operative administration?

Mr. Vosper

That is a rather separate question, and I need notice of it, but generally speaking, if we get requests for them or similar courses, we do use them.

Mr. Dugdale

Has the right hon. Gentleman had any requests from Southern Rhodesia, and has he been able to meet them?

Mr. Vosper

I need notice of that question.