HC Deb 15 June 1927 vol 207 cc1009-10
69. Major GLYN

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will consider the advantage of preparing a Paper for presentation to Parliament giving a comprehensive survey of all necessary information concerning the condition and administration of His Majesty's overseas Colonies, Protectorates, and such mandatory territories as come under the jurisdiction of the Colonial Office, since it is impossible in the time available to convey this information solely in the form of a statement to this House when the appropriate Vote is under consideration, and many important matters fail to come under review in consequence?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the DOMINIONS (Mr. Amery)

A White Paper, Command 2704, giving brief notes on matters of general interest in the Colonial Empire, was issued in connection with the Estimates last year; and a similar Paper will be issued this year. This perhaps does not constitute a comprehensive survey, but I will bear my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion in mind for future consideration.

76. Major GLYN

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he will consider the advantage of preparing a Paper for presentation to this House giving a comprehensive survey of all information regarding the Dominions, which is the proper concern of Parliament, since it is impossible in the time available to convey this information solely in the form of a statement to this House when the appropriate Vote is under consideration, and many important matters fail to come under review in consequence?

Mr. AMERY

I am not certain whether it would be possible to give effect to the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend in the precise form which he suggests, but I will give the matter further consideration. It is already the practice to communicate to Parliament information as regards matters connected with the relations between His Majesty's Government in Great Britain and His Governments in the Dominions, in the form of Parliamentary Papers on specific subjects.

Major GLYN

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that this House gives sufficient consideration to Colonial and Dominion matters?

Mr. AMERY

That is a matter for this House.