§ 48. Major GLYNasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, since all questions concerning the development of Crown Colonies and Protectorates by private enterprise are passed, on the advice of the Colonial Office, to the Trade Facilities Advisory Committee for consideration, by whom is the final approval for such schemes given, and how far is the Trade Facilities Advisory Committee, already overburdened with trade questions concerning foreign countries, able to consider these colonial schemes which are often matters of urgency and supported by the Crown agents and local governments concerned; and whether it, is possible to set up, without expense to the taxpayer, an advisory committee which will include representations of the Dominions, as well as the Crown agents, with independent financial and commercial advisers?
§ Sir R. HORNEMy hon. and gallant Friend is under some misapprehension. The Advisory Committee under the Trade Facilities Act is concerned only with applications for guarantees under that Act. It is in no way concerned with development schemes in general whether in the Colonies or elsewhere. The Committee has nine applications before it relating to Dominion or Colonial matters, and I am aware of no reason why they should not be dealt with in the usual way. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Major GLYNIs it not possible for a special Committee to be set up by the Treasury in order to hasten these returns?
§ Sir R. HORNEThat certainly does not lie with me.