§ 2.46 p.m.
§ THE EARL OF LUCANMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to embody in the proposed Constitution for Bechuanaland Protectorate (Cmnd. 1159) safeguards for the interests of the Bushmen; and, in particular, what measures they propose to ensure to this small racial minority unmolested enjoyment of their lands.]
THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS (THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE)My Lords, it will be the duty of the Bechuanaland Protectorate Government, under the new Constitution, in the same way as at present, to safeguard the interests of the Bushmen. The official members of the Legislative Council will share this responsibility. The proposed Constitution will include provision that nonmembers of the Legislative and Executive Councils (such as persons with special knowledge of the Bushmen) may be invited to attend and speak at their meetings. This provision will make it possible for either Council to draw on the experience or advice of any nonmembers who may be specially qualified in Bushmen affairs.
A trained anthropologist, who is also a district officer, has, since October, 1958, been conducting, on behalf of the Bechuanaland Protectorate Government, a special survey of the Bushmen and the administrative measures needed in their interests. He has already made an 1020 interim report, which the Bechuanaland Government are now considering. The Bushmen have not at present any lands reserved for their use, but preliminary proposals for setting apart an area have been discussed in the Joint Advisory Council, where they received general support. Pending the completion of the survey, the High Commissioner is considering the possibility of declaring a reserve which will satisfy their most important need, which is food, by preserving the game on which they live.
§ THE EARL OF LUCANMy Lords, I am most grateful to the noble Duke for that reply, and I am particularly glad to know that the Councils under the new Constitution will be able to call in outside persons with special knowledge of the Bushmen. I would, however, ask whether the Government are aware that the possibility of conflict between the interests of the Bushmen and those of the other races, both African and European, in the Protectorate is a very real one. The interests of the Bantu and the Europeans are, of course, for more land; the Bushmen, as the noble Duke is aware, require enormous areas of the veldt in order to subsist. Will the Government ensure that sufficient and suitable lands are set aside for this minority?
THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIREMy Lords, I fully share the noble Earl's concern for the welfare of the Bushmen, as do my colleagues in Her Majesty's Government. I can assure him that the interests of the Bushmen will be borne very much in mind, and that the Bechuanaland Protectorate Government and the High Commissioner are very well aware of the Bushmen's needs and will have them in the forefront of their minds in the future.
§ LORD DYNEVORMy Lords, may I ask the noble Duke whether the Bushmen will be tenants of, or will own, the land? The last words of the Question bring to mind what happened to the Red Indians. When oil was found on their land they had difficulty in retaining that land.
THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIREMy Lords, I would answer my noble friend by saying that I think it would be advisable to await the consideration by the High Commissioner of the interim report, and indeed, of the full report, before I give a full answer to that question.
§ LORD OGMOREMy Lords, in view of the fact that this survey was made largely because of the interest taken in this question in your Lordships' House in 1957–58, may I ask Whether the possibility will be considered of having the interim report placed in the Library, so that those of us who are interested in the problem can, see it; and secondly, whether the Government can do something to dissuade the Bushmen from their cruel practice of spearing giraffes? I saw a revolting film the other day at London University showing how this is done. In view of the great interest that we have all expressed here in the Bushmen, I think that they might reciprocate by having some feeling for the giraffes.
THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIREMy Lords, as regards having the interim report placed in the Library I should like, if I may, to consult the High Commissioner on this matter; but I will certainly bring it to hips notice that this request has been made. In: regard to the spearing of giraffes I would agree with the noble Lord in being against this inhumane practice; but how far I or any other person can persuade the Bushmen to discontinue this practice I do not know. But I will certainly bring the point to the attention of the High Commissioner.
§ THE EARL OF LUCANMy Lords, may I ask the noble Duke whether he will arrange for self-service stores and supermarkets to be provided, in order that the request of the noble Lord, Lord Ogmore, may be granted?