HC Deb 07 December 1925 vol 189 cc8-9
9. Sir HOBERT HAMILTON

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is now in a position to give the House any information as to the activities of the Committee of Civil Research in so far as they bear on matters of importance to the administration, and the social and economic development, of the Crown Colonies?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

The Committee of Civil Research is a Committee of the Cabinet, and it would be contrary to established practice to give particulars regarding its deliberations; but various technical questions, affecting the welfare of the Colonies are under consideration by special Sub-Committees, such as the Sub-Committee on the Tsetse Fly in Africa, and the Sub-Committee on the Mineral Content of Natural Pastures.

Sir R. HAMILTON

Can the hon. Gentleman indicate where information can be obtained of what is being done by this Committee?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

As I explained, and as in the case of the Committee of Imperial Defence, until the Government have received the Report of the Civil Research Committee on any one of these questions nothing will be published, and it will then be the responsibility of the Government to publish or not as they think fit under the circumstances.