HC Deb 28 July 1938 vol 338 cc3299-300
Mr. Attlee

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can now announce the personnel and terms of reference of the Royal Commission on the West Indies?

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)

Yes, Sir. The King has been pleased to approve the setting up of a Royal Commission to conduct an investigation into social and economic conditions in certain of the West Indian Colonies. The terms of reference are: To investigate social and economic conditions in Barbados, British Guiana, British Honduras, Jamaica, the Leeward Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Windward Islands, and matters connected therewith, and to make recommendations. The members of the Commission are:

  • The Rt. Hon. Lord Moyne (Chairman).
  • Sir Edward Stubbs (Vice-Chairman).
  • The Hon. Member for Rushcliffe (Mr. Assheton).
  • Dr. Mary Blacklock.
  • Sir Walter Citrine.
  • Dame Rachel Crowdy.
  • Professor F. L. Engledow.
  • Mr. H. D. Henderson.
  • The Hon. Member for Caerphilly (Mr. Morgan Jones).
  • Sir Percy Mackinnon.

Mr. Creech Jones

Under the terms of reference is consideration of the political disabilities of the inhabitants of the Colonies excluded from the inquiry?

Mr. MacDonald

No, Sir, those questions are covered by the terms of reference so far as they are connected with economic and social conditions.

Mr. Lloyd George

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when this Commission is proceeding to the West Indies to commence its investigations?

Mr. MacDonald

I anticipate that it will leave this country in the second week of October.