33. Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies what is the composition of the body set up in the Colonial Office under the chairmanship of Lord Hailey; what are its terms of reference; what outside bodies and groups it will work with or consult; and whether such an organisation will be asked for its recommendations on colonial policy and post-war relations, development and future changes?
§ Mr. George HallThe body to which this Question refers is a small committee composed, apart from the Chairman, of senior members of the Colonial Office staff. Its purpose is to prepare a statement of the political, administrative, economic and social questions which are likely to come up for consideration in relation to the Colonies at the end of the war; and to assemble, so far as is practicable, the facts and other material which will be required for the consideration of these questions. The committee will seek the aid of such persons and organisations as may be in a position to supply information of the kind that is required. This committee, as has been stated in another place, is primarily a preliminary fact-finding body; and it will be a matter for consideration at a later date whether it should be invited to submit recommendations on policy, post-war relations, development and future changes.
Mr. Creech JonesWill there be any connection between this committee and the research organisation Nuffield College? Also, in the shaping of policy, will there be the fullest consultation with all other types of outside organisations?
§ Mr. HallThat is a matter which will be considered by Lord Hailey and his committee. The committee has only just been set up, and it will take into consideration all the Questions that the hon. Member has put.