HC Deb 24 October 1939 vol 352 cc1183-4
28. Mr. Creech Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether His Majesty's Government are contemplating a long-term programme for the economic development of the High Commissioner territories and the welfare of the people concerned?

The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Mr. Eden)

There has been substantial development expenditure in the High Commission Territories within recent years, and work is still proceeding on some of the schemes adopted following the commissions of inquiry by Sir Alan Pim, including in particular an important scheme for dealing with soil erosion in Basutoland. The rate of further progress will have to be considered in the light of present financial circumstances, but as my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for the Colonies, stated on nth October, His Majesty's Government are anxious that social service and welfare work in the Colonial Empire shall be maintained to the utmost extent that war conditions permit.

Mr. Creech Jones

Will the House have an opportunity of being informed as to the discussions with the Government of the Union of South Africa in regard to the economic development of these territories?

Mr. Eden

That is quite a different question.

Mr. Paling

In view of the magnitude of the problem, is not the work that is being done rather small, and will the light hon. Gentleman undertake not to make the war an excuse for not doing what is permitted to be done now?

Mr. Eden

If the hon. Gentleman studies my answer, he will see that I am in entire agreement with him, but I think experience shows that all expenditure is relative in these times.