§ 62. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what concessions have been granted to date to European mining syndicates in Bechuanaland Protectorate; what discussions there have been upon future mineral exploitation within the African Advisory Council; and whether he will make a statement about Government policy in this matter.
§ Commander NobleI am obtaining the information asked for in the first part and will let the hon. Member have it as soon as possible.
I understand that mining development was to be one of the subjects for discussion at the meeting last week of the African Advisory Council, but a report of the proceedings is not yet available.
It is Her Majesty's Government's policy to encourage the development of mineral resources in the Bechuanaland Protectorate in order to provide the inhabitants with further opportunities for employment and to raise additional revenue for improved social services. Leases for mining in the native reserves 74W will be made by the Native Authorities with the concurrence of the High Commissioner. Mining will not be permitted until Her Majesty's Government are satisfied that the rights of the indigenous people are fully safeguarded.