HC Deb 02 February 1944 vol 396 c1262
32. Mr. Riley

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the West Indian conferences which are now being arranged by the Anglo-American Caribbean Commission will be held in public; and whether after each conference a public report will be issued.

Mr. Emrys-Eyans

The Conference will be left to settle its own procedure, but my right hon. and gallant Friend understands that the present intention is to invite it to agree that it should start with a general meeting, open to the Press, for discussion of the whole of its agenda, and that, after recommendations have been prepared by sub-committees, normally in private sessions, on items requiring detailed studies, the reports of those bodies should be considered at another public meeting. Subject to the agreement of the Conference, its report would be published.

Mr. Riley

May I ask the Minister whether, in view of the importance of these conferences, and in view of the fact that both the British Government and the United States Government, through the Commission, have declared that these conferences must envisage a democratic approach to the problems, it is provided that they should be public conferences and report publicly?

Mr. Emrys-Evans

I said in my answer that they will be public. A very full reply in regard to the whole position was given to the hon. Member for Moseley (Sir P. Hannon).

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