§ 30. Mr. MOLTENOasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the official Controller of Vegetable Oils is announced to speak in support of the programme of the Empire Resources Development Committee, at Cannon Street Hotel, on the 30th instant; and whether, in view of the apprehensions created in Canada, India, and West Africa, he is prepared to take any action which will remove the impression that the policy of this Committee must find favour with the Government, otherwise members of the Government would not be found upon that Committee and advocating in public the aims and objects as set forth in its literature?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Long)The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the remainder of. the question, I have nothing to add to the previous answers on the subject, except that I understand that my hon. Friend referred to ceased to be Controller of Oils and Fats some months ago.
§ Mr. MOLTENODoes the right hon. Gentleman consider it desirable that a member of the Government should be associated with this Committee? In view of the fact that already members of the Government have had to disclaim sympathy with the policy announced on various occasions that large areas should be taken over from Canada and developed 1535 by us, is it not desirable that a similar course should be taken as that adopted by the right hon. Gentleman himself in resigning from the Committee?
§ Mr. LONGI have told my hon. Friend that my hon. Friend in question has ceased to be a representative of the Government, and therefore it does not seem to me that any question arises which I can contemplate at all.