HC Deb 17 April 1940 vol 359 cc979-80W
Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what immediate steps are being taken in the light of recent industrial disputes in the copper belt in Northern Rhodesia to remove the grievances of the African mineworkers; and to improve wages and employment conditions?

Mr. M. MacDonald

The companies have recently given the African employés on the copper mines an increase in pay of 2s. 6d. per monthly ticket. As regards conditions generally, considerable progress has been made in recent times in the promotion of native health, education and welfare, and this progress is still going on. Such specific grievances as the African employés may wish now to bring forward will no doubt be considered by the Commission of Inquiry.