§ Mr. Harveyasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken to implement the recommendations of the Commission on the disturbances in the Copperbelt in Northern Rhodesia; whether educational facilities in the Copperbelt are being extended; whether steps are being taken to complete an African cost-of-living index; whether the bonuses given during the strike are being reviewed in the light of the information obtained; and whether additional labour officers have been appointed for the copper mines?
§ Mr. George HallI would invite my hon. Friend's attention to the statement issued by the Government of Northern Rhodesia on the recommendations of the Copperbelt Commission. This statement, copies of which were laid in the Library of the House in February last, showed that the majority of the recommendations were accepted by Government, that some had already been implemented and that action to give effect to the remainder was in train. As regards the extension of educational facilities in the Copper-belt, I would invite reference to the reply given on the nth December, 1940, to the hon. Member for Shipley (Mr. Creech Jones), in which it was stated that the sum of £14,000 was being spent on school buildings in 1941 and that a further sum of £5,000 was also being provided for medical welfare work in the Copperbelt in addition to the amount (£9,500) that was already being expended there. It was expected by the Government that during the present year accommodation for 5,000 pupils would be completed and that the necessary teaching staff would be available. The statement also indicated that the Government of Northern Rhodesia were taking the necessary steps for the compilation of a cost-of-living index with a view to the periodic revision of the special war cost-of-living allowance. A second labour officer was appointed to the Copperbelt during the past summer. The "Elder" system has been reviewed in consultation with representatives of the mining companies, with the result that the system has now been accepted at all the mines. At Nkana and Nchanga the Elders will be assisted in their duties by boss boys. The new arrangements2066W provide for collaboration with the labour officers and with the district commissioners. Arrangements have also been made for the Elders (now called tribal representatives) and the boss boys to nominate members from among their number to sit on the native urban councils. The working of the new scheme will be carefully studied with a view to effecting such improvements as may be dictated by experience.