HC Deb 28 June 1939 vol 349 cc413-4
45. Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make regarding the establishment of a Standing Parliamentary Committee for Colonial affairs?

The Prime Minister

I am not yet in a position to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member on 12th June.

Lieut.-Commander Fletcher

In view of the great interest which is taken in this matter in all quarters of the House, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he expects to be able to make a statement before the Recess?

The Prime Minister

There is another question on the Paper on this subject.

50. Mr. Riley

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has had under consideration the growing demand to set up a Standing Parliamentary Committee for Colonial affairs; and whether, in view of the pressing urgency of many colonial problems, he will be able to make an early statement to the House?

Mr. M. MacDonald

I am aware that the proposal referred to is looked upon with favour in various quarters. I am considering it not only on its own individual merits, but also in. connection with the wider question of the adequacy of existing machinery for carrying out Colonial policy. I can assure the House that we are proceeding in the matter as rapidly as is consistent with a thorough examination of so wide a problem, but I cannot yet say when I shall be in a position to make a further statement.

Mr. Petherick

Is there anything whatsoever to prevent groups of Members of one or of all parties joining together to consider our Colonial problems, and would that not be a better course than undermining the Constitution by setting up a new body which would not be a constitutional body?

Mr. MacDonald

All sorts of considerations arise on this matter, including that which my hon. Friend has mentioned. I can only say that we are taking every aspect of the proposal into consideration before coming to a decision.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Does not the last Debate on the subject show conclusively that some kind of Standing Parliamentary Committee is very urgently required?