§ 19. Mr. HORRABINasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the grants or loans, made or approved, towards technical education, the training of African dispensers, sanitary inspectors, etc., will be affected by the proposed reductions in the Colonial Development Fund: and whether further grants or loans of this kind are to he discontinued?
Mr. THOMASThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, Schemes submitted by Colonial Governments will be considered, as in the past, on their individual merits, but regard will he paid to the consideration set forth on page 8 of the White Paper (Cmd. 3952) and to the reduced funds available.
§ Mr. HORRABINMay we have the right hon. Gentleman's assurance that services of this kind will receive as much consideration as say the Zambesi bridge scheme?
Mr. THOMASThat is not a fair analogy, because the Zambesi bridge scheme was dealt with under a fund sanctioned by this House in connection with unemployment; but I can assure my hon. Friend that consideration will be given to the importance of the subject.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODWill the right hon. Gentleman refer to what is being done by the Foreign Office in the Sudan in this respect and bring the Colonial Office up to that level?
Mr. THOMASI hope that while I am administering the Colonial Office the right hon. and gallant Gentleman will never have to draw comparisons between it and other offices.