§ Sir R. THOMASasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what work is being done officially to survey by aerial photography unmapped or partially-mapped regions in the Colonies and mandated territories?
§ Mr. AMERYThe Government of Northern Rhodesia is employing the Aircraft Operating Company, Limited, in making an air survey of the Zambesi waterway in Barotseland between Katombora and Barouale, including the Lungwo-Bungu river and the Kabompo river, as far as the Lungu confluence. This company is also supplying the Northern Rhodesia Government with maps made from aerial photographs of the highly mineralised area around N'changa, near the Northern Rhodesia-Congo boundary. In addition, the company is making plans, from aerial surveys, of the three principal townships in Northern Rhodesia; Livingstone, Lusaka, and Broken Hill. I understand that the Air Survey Company, Limited, has recently completed a survey of the Rejang delta in Sarawak, on behalf of the Government of that State, the total area surveyed being 1,800 square miles. This company has also surveyed some 1,700 square miles of territory for the British Malayan Petroleum Company, Limited, in Sarawak and Brunei, with the consent of the respective States. I understand, also, that the Iraq Government have recently concluded a contract with a British firm for an aerial survey of certain lands in Iraq.