§ 13. Mr. Rileyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will now take into consideration the setting up of a Standing Committee of both Houses of Parliament to act in an advisory capacity in the work of colonial development and reconstruction?
§ Colonel StanleyThis question was dealt with by my right hon. Friend the Undersecretary of State, in his speech on colonial development in the Debate on the Address on 26th November. I am unable to add anything to the statement which he made on that occasion.
§ Mr. RileyIs not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in almost every Debate for several years, not only in this House but in another place, this demand has been put forward, with general acceptance by Members of both Houses?
§ Colonel StanleyI listened to the Debate to which I have referred, and I know that the hon. Member put this forward with very great persuasion; but my right hon. Friend has given his reason why, at any rate at the moment, he prefers another method of approach.
§ Mr. MaxtonIs not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that there is a new Colonial Secretary now? Is there not to be a new policy as a result of his arrival?
§ Colonel StanleyYes, Sir, I am aware of that fact.
§ Mr. Edmund HarveyIs it not a fact that very great weight has been given in another place to this suggestion? Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman not give it very careful consideration?
§ Colonel StanleyIt did not need the weighty support in another place. The hon. Member put the case very fairly and fully in this House, and it is naturally a matter to which one gives very serious consideration.