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Siavonga

Volume 614: debated on Tuesday 24 November 1959

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16.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent the proposed Northern Rhodesian holiday centre on the shores of Lake Kariba at Siavonga will be planned on the basis of racial partnership and open to citizens of all races without discrimination.

It is planned to develop Siavonga as a township, not merely a holiday centre, and there will be no discrimination on racial grounds in the allocation of sites.

Whilst thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that welcome reply, may I ask if he has seen the report in The Times today headed

"Lack of Progress on Colour Bar. North Rhodesia call for Inquiry."
The report goes on to say that a debate on the colour bar is taking place in the Northern Rhodesian Legislature today. Will the Colonial Secretary use the example of this scheme to press the Northern Rhodesian Government to abolish racial discrimination in all other schemes that are being promoted?

As I understand the position, the Legislative Council in Northern Rhodesia has already resolved to establish a committee to consider this question if reasonable progress in this field has not been achieved voluntarily by the end of this year.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the projects at Siavonga is a large luxury hotel? Will he ensure that, in granting the licence for this hotel, the Northern Rhodesian Government insist on access to it without any discrimination that is based on colour?

The inquiry to which I have just referred is directed exactly to that point of the admission of Africans to places of refreshment and entertainment in this holiday centre.