§ THE EARL OF LUCANMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the terms of the reported agreement between the Rhodesia Selection Trust group and the Bamangwato Tribe, giving the group prospecting and exploration rights over 40.000 square miles of tribal territory in Bechuanaland.]
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS (THE EARL OF HOME)My Lords, the Bamangwato Tribe, as owners of the mineral rights, have taken the initiative in interesting the Rhodesian Selection Trust group in the possibility of mineral development in the Reserve, and an agreement was signed in Serowe on June 2 between the Bamangwato Tribe and Rhodesian Selection Trust Exploration, Limited, one of the companies in the group.
As regards the terms of the agreement, the position is this. The parties to it have been good enough to keep the High Commissioner informed of their discussions, and the agreement which they have reached has been concluded with my general approval, though the agreement itself does not require Government 3 approval. But the Government are not a party to the agreement, and since the parties have communicated its terms to the Government in confidence your Lordships will appreciate that I am not at liberty to disclose more of them than the parties have themselves published.
The agreement provides for the grant to Rhodesian Selection Trust Exploration, Limited, of rights, for an agreed preliminary period, to carry out exploration operations over an area of some 40,000 square miles of the Reserve. Mond Nickel Exploration, Limited, of Toronto, and Minerals Separation, Limited, will be associated in the exploration operations, which will be directed and controlled by Rhodesian Selection Trust Exploration, Limited. If the results of the investigations during this preliminary period are considered by this company to justify it, this company may form another company to which the tribe would grant rights to prospect and explore for up to 10 years. In the event of mineral discoveries of economic significance, the tribe will grant mining rights to the second company, or to further mining companies to be formed by it. Any mining companies so formed would pay royalties to the Bamangwato on an agreed basis.
It remains to be seen whether the investigations during the preliminary period will lead to the grant of mining rights: but the Bamangwato Tribe, under the guidance of Rasebolai Kgamane, as African Authority, with the able assistance of Seretse Khama, and especially of the late Tshekedi Khama, who was for so long a moving spirit in the affairs of the Bamangwato, are to be congratulated on taking this step, which could lead to important developments in the Reserve.
§ THE EARL OF LUCANMy Lords, I thank the noble Earl for his very full reply. Would he not agree that a matter of such importance as this, having such very far-reaching influence on the future of this tribe in the Protectorate, is one of which the public and Parliament should be aware? There are many questions that arise on what we have heard so far. Is there any likelihood of the other tribal reserves being involved in similar agreements? Were the Ruling Council and the instruments of Government of the Bamangwato Tribe all con- 4 sulted, and did they all agree? What is to be the long-term future? When there are mining leases given or to be negotiated, who is going to safeguard the interests of the tribe? There are these and many other such questions. My supplementary question to the noble Earl is: would he not agree that a full statement, preferably in the form of a White Paper, should be published?
THE EARL OF HOMEMy Lords, the answer to one of the noble Earl's questions is that there was the fullest consultation with the Tribe, and agreement by all the tribal leaders that this was a good thing. Indeed, I was kept consulted at every stage; and I think that this agreement really is a model which might be followed with advantage by many other territories where the tribes are the owners of minerals and others, outsiders, have the resources to exploit them. Whether the parties would agree to a fuller statement I cannot say to-day, because both parties have asked that there should be nothing further said—and, after all, we are only concerned at this present moment with the exploration rights. However, I will consult the two parties to see whether any fuller statement can be made: because I am sure that if it could be made, with their agreement, it would be convincing.
§ VISCOUNT STANSGATEMy Lords, in a general way, would the noble Earl accept the statement that Parliament is the trustee for these people and therefore must have the knowledge of the dealings in which they are concerned?
THE EARL OF HOMEMy Lords, I think that the statement which the noble Viscount has made is generally acceptable: but of course he will realise that these are preliminary and exploratory rights. What may happen after that, though the general plans have been laid down, depends on what happens during the exploration. At this stage I am not sure that I could press the parties to go further than they have gone already, but I will see.
§ LORD DOUGLAS OF BARLOCHIf this agreement is a model one, on which other agreements should be drawn, is it not highly desirable that it should be published?
THE EARL OF HOMEMy Lords, no doubt there are in the minds of both 5 parties considerations of which I am unaware. All I can say is that I will consult the parties as to whether they think it profitable and desirable that a further statement should be made.
§ VISCOUNT STANSGATEYes, my Lords, but when the noble Earl says that he will consult the parties, does he mean those who have already expressed their objection to disclosures, or does he mean the people of this area who may find themselves in the same condition of servitude as the natives in other parts of Africa?
THE EARL OF HOMEMy Lords, there is no question of servitude involved here. This arrangement was come to with the full knowledge of those who lead the Bamangwato Tribe and with the full knowledge of all parties who are responsible for the welfare of this tribe in this part of Africa. All I can do, as I said to the noble Earl, Lord Lucan, is to consult the parties concerned.