HC Deb 13 November 1940 vol 365 cc1709-10
64. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will consider, in relation to existing plans of Colonial development, a 10-year programme of social, political and economic development specifically applicable to West Africa, and to commence immediately the war ends; and whether he will secure the advice, to this end, of native representatives, social and educational workers and administrators in West Africa?

Mr. George Hall

As my hon. Friend will appreciate, it is not feasible to make progress under present war time conditions with the preparation of the large-scale plans of development in the Colonies which the Colonial Development and Welfare Act is designed to promote. Proposals for schemes to be coordinated into a comprehensive programme will be submitted by Colonial Governments as soon as it proves practicable to do so, and I have no doubt that in preparing such schemes the Governments will endeavour to secure the best advice available from local sources.

Mr. Sorensen

While thanking my hon. Friend for his reply, may I have an assurance that he will, in fact, secure the advice and cooperation of those social and educational workers who have been working on the spot in regard to any plans that may be drawn up for immediate application after the war?

Mr. Hall

I think my hon. Friend may rest assured on that.