HC Deb 04 April 1917 vol 92 cc1281-2
26. Mr. R. LAMBERT

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will say when the volume of evidence taken by the West African Lands Committee and the Report of the Sub-Committee, with appendices, will be laid before Parliament; and whether, if the full Report of the Committee, which was appointed in 1912, is incomplete and cannot yet be published, the evidence and Report of the Sub-Committee, which is understood to contain information and suggestions of great value, can be placed in the Library for, reference?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Steel-Maitland)

Owing to the outbreak of war it was impossible for the Committee to continue their labours, and I do not consider that it would be desirable to publish a draft Report in which the majority of the Committee had not concurred. I will consider whether there is any reason why a copy of the evidence should not be placed in the Library.

Commander WEDGWOOD

May I ask whether the hon. Gentleman is aware that the chairman of that Committee sent in a letter which amounted to a preliminary Report, and whether the recommendations made in that letter have not failed to be carried out in connection with the Gold Coast Colony?

Mr. STEEL-MAITLAND

I will inquire into that if the hon. and gallant Gentleman will give me notice.