§ Mr. WEDGWOODasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the House an assurance, similar to that he recently gave on Cyprus, that while he is at the Colonial Office the governing of Northern Rhodesia shall not be removed from the control of his office and of this House?
Mr. THOMASYes, Sir; there is no intention of any change so far as the administration of Northern Rhodesia is concerned. The Government adhere to the policy announced in 1931.
§ Mr. PARKINSONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state the functions of the Native industrial labour advisory board in Northern Rhodesia, whose appointment has been announced by the Governor?
Mr. THOMASThe function of the board is to advise on all questions directly or indirectly connected with the employment of natives under industrial conditions, and more particularly with their employment in the copper mines.
§ Mr. PARKINSONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether in view of the favourable financial position announced by the Governor of Northern Rhodesia in the legislative council, he will recommend that a reduction of the native hut tax should be considered?
Mr. THOMASThe native tax was reduced this year practically throughout Northern Rhodesia. Only in the mining area was the tax raised. I am asking the Governor for a statement.
§ Mr. PARKINSONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the resolution passed by the Northern Rhodesia legislative council desiring amalgamation with the dominion of Southern Rhodesia; and whether he has taken any steps to reaffirm the statement made in 1931 that the time was not ripe for such a change?
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Mr. THOMASMy attention was called to the resolution which was moved but not passed. The Governor was authorised to state that His Majesty's Government adhere to the policy announced in 1931.