HC Deb 28 April 1964 vol 694 cc189-90
12. Mr. Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and the Colonies what discussions have taken place with the Government of Northern Rhodesia on the termination of the agreement with the British South Africa Company under which the company receives royalties on copper and other mineral production in that territory.

Mr. Sandys

Some preliminary discussions took place last year between the then coalition Government of Northern Rhodesia and the company, at which the British Government were represented. The present Government of Northern Rhodesia have so far not discussed this matter with the British Government.

Mr. Brockway

Will the right hon. Gentleman take every step to end this robbery of the resources of Northern Rhodesia? Is he aware that even Sir Roy Welensky has declared that the agreement between the British South Africa Company and the chiefs amounted to the cheating of ignorant chiefs to get hold of these mineral royalties? Is he aware that the company is taking £10 million a year from Northern Rhodesia as a toll on every bit of mineral extracted from the land? We abolished this system years ago in this country. Why should it be maintained there?

Mr. Sandys

I deplore the very exaggerated language used by the hon. Gentleman and I consider it to be an abuse of the protection of Parliamentary privilege.

Mr. G. M. Thomson

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what the people of Northern Rhodesia have ever obtained in return for the agreement between the Northern Rhodesian Government and the British South Africa Company?

Mr. Sandys

I do not think that that is very relevant.