HC Deb 08 April 1949 vol 463 cc217-8W
Mr. Skinnard

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what effect he anticipates that the Industrial Licensing Ordinance of 1948 will have on the free development of local industries in Tanganyika.

Mr. Rees-Williams

The purpose of the Tanganyika Industrial Licensing Ordinance of 1948 is to ensure the sound development of the industries scheduled under the Ordinance by persons with the necessary commercial skill and knowledge to undertake business in a competent manner and with reasonable prospects of success. The African population of the territory must be protected from speculative competition that might tempt them from their normal livelihood and then subject them to losses, unemployment and distress. If Africans are to be given increased opportunities and higher standards of living through the growth of secondary industries, there must be some regulation of industry in the public interest. I hope, therefore, that the effect of the Ordinance will be to promote the free development of local industries in Tanganyika in an orderly manner in the interests of the inhabitants of the territory.