HC Deb 05 May 1908 vol 188 cc46-7
MR. CLAUDE HAY (Shoreditch Hoxton)

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now give the terms of reference to and the names of the persons who will constitute the Committee to inquire into the organisation of the office of the Crown Agents for the Colonies.

COLONEL SEELY

I quite hope within a few days to be in a position to announce the names of all the gentlemen who will serve on the Committee, and I will at the same time give the terms of reference.

Mr. CLAUDE HAY

When can the hon. Gentleman let me know?

COLONEL SEELY

In about a week's time.

MR. AUSTIN TAYLOR (Liverpool, East Toxteth)

May I ask if in settling the terms of reference care will be taken to enable evidence to be obtained from the governors of Crown Colonies?

COLONEL SEELY

I will consult the Secretary of State on that point.

MR. REES

And also evidence from commercial bodies?

COLONEL SEELY

I will bear that in mind too. Perhaps the hon. Member will wait and see the terms of reference, and then he can make any suggestion.

MR. CLAUDE HAY

But after the terms have been announced, will the hon. Gentleman be in a position to accept any amendment?

COLONEL SEELY

If the hon. Member will put clown a Question I may be able to indicate what the terms are likely to be, and that may assist him.

MR. CLAUDE HAY

What I am anxious for is that the terms of reference when they are announced shall not be treated as finally settled, and that we may have an opportunity of making alterations. Will the hon. Gentleman give an undertaking to that effect?

COLONEL SEELY

I cannot do that. I suggest that the hon. Gentleman should put down a Question.