§ 61. Mrs. Middletonasked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs for what purposes grants to Bechuanaland from the Colonial Development Fund are being used; and whether he is satisfied that the most urgent problems are being tackled first and that expenditure is satisfactorily administered.
§ Mr. A. HendersonI have been asked to reply. In the employment of the funds allocated to the Bechuanaland Protectorate under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act, 1945, schemes have so far been approved for water development, for the control of tsetse fly, and for expansion and improvement in native agriculture and livestock. My hon. Friend is satisfied that these are among the most urgent objectives in the development of the Protectorate, and that the funds will be administered to the best purpose. Further schemes are still under consideration.
§ 62. Mrs. Middletonasked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that in native schools in Bechuanaland there are many cases of lack of benches for the children to sit on; and what steps he is taking to provide adequate educational equipment in all schools.
§ Mr. A. HendersonThe lack of benches in native schools has been mentioned in a report on the conditions of native education in the Bechuanaland Protectorate which has recently been received. This matter with others affecting improved educational facilities and equipment, is under active consideration.
§ 63. Mrs. Middletonasked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that the agricultural lands of the Makalaka tribe in Bechuanaland Protectorate have recently been raided and their huts burned and what action is being taken to deal with those responsible.
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§ Mr. A. HendersonMy noble Friend has no information that any such raid has. recently occurred, but he is asking the High Commissioner to inquire and report on the matter.