HC Deb 24 January 1945 vol 407 cc813-4
40. Mr. Riley

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can make any statement regarding the appointment of Sir Frank Stockdale as Adviser on Colonial Development Planning; and whether Sir Frank Stockdale will continue to have charge as Controller of the Colonial and Welfare Work in the West Indies.

Colonel Stanley

The new post of Adviser on Development Planning has been created as part of the Colonial Office organisation to assist me in the co-ordination of plans for social and economic development now in preparation by Colonial Governments. The need for such an appointment has been increased by the intention of His Majesty's Government to augment the financial provision for development under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act. Sir Frank Stockdale will be succeeded as Comptroller for Development and Welfare in the West Indies by Sir John Macpherson, at present a member of the Anglo-American Caribbean Commission and head of the British Colonies Supply Mission in Washington.

Mr. Riley

Does the statement of the right hon. Gentleman mean that Sir Frank Stockdale is in charge of all planning, under the Development and Welfare Act, in all Colonies except the West Indies, and that he is adviser to the Colonial Government on their plans?

Colonel Stanley

I think that, if the hon. Member will study my answer, he will see what it does mean.