HC Deb 27 January 1955 vol 536 cc54-6W
Major Beamish

asked the Undersecretary of State for Commonwealth Relations the latest information about the survey for water supplies along the Ghanzi-Lobatsi cattle export route in Bechuanaland; what further progress has been made with plans for more extensive investigations; what progress has been made with the survey of farms in the Ghanzi area; and how the steps which are now being taken in these matters conform with the recommendations of the Gaitskell Report.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Seven successful bore holes have been sunk long the first half of the route. Drilling to depths of 900 feet has been undertaken at 11 sites on the second half of the route, so far without success. Heavier equipment capable of reaching sub-artesian supplies which are believed to exist at depths of 1,500 feet has been ordered and will be delivered shortly. For information about the plans for more extensive investigations, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Flint, East (Mrs. White) on 18th November. Action on them awaits the passing of a new Colonial Development and Welfare Act.

Arrangements for the survey of farms in the Ghanzi area are now under discussion by the Administration and the farmers concerned. The development of water supplies along the cattle export route and the survey of farms in the Ghanzi area conform with the recommendations of the Gaitskell Mission. The plans for more extensive development relate to areas which were not within their terms of reference.

Mr. Alport

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations on what date the European and African Advisory Council was consulted on the proposal to deal with all cattle exported from the Bechuanaland Protectorate through the Lobatsi abattoir; and what advice was given by the European and African members, respectively, on that occasion.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

It has never been intended that all cattle exported from the Bechuanaland Protectorate should be handled by the Lobatsi abattoir. It has always been recognised that exports of live cattle from certain remote areas in the North should be allowed to continue. The African and European Advisory Councils were consulted about the proposal to establish an abattoir at Lobatsi in September, 1950. The African Advisory Council welcomed the project. The European Advisory Council, after appointing a Committee to examine the project in detail, accepted it by a large majority.