§ 25. Sir Patrick Hannonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he contemplates the preparation of an up-to-date edition of an economic survey of the Colonial Empire on the general plan of his Department's publication No. 95, issued in 1934.
Mr. Creech JonesYes, Sir. The preparation of a revised edition has already been commenced, but, owing to staff difficulties both in the Colonial Office and in Colonial administrations, progress cannot be speeded up. I am unable as yet to predict when the new edition will be available.
§ Sir P. HannonHaving in view the immense value of this publication to all of us interested in the Colonial Empire, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it will be on the same comprehensive plan as the volume referred to in my Question?
Mr. Creech JonesWe are hoping so, and I can assure the hon. Gentleman that everything possible to speed it up will be done.
§ Mr. Hector HughesIn view of the changes which have taken place since 1934, will the Minister consider making a new survey on a somewhat wider and more comprehensive scale than that undertaken in 1933?
§ Mr. Leslie HaleIn the meantime, will the Secretary of State consider putting one of his officers in touch with the Librarian of the House of Commons with a view to providing a comprehensive bibliography which will be available to hon. Members and will cover the interim period?
Mr. Creech JonesI think that the Librarian of the Colonial Office has been in touch with the Librarian of the House of Commons. There is now a pretty wide exchange of books and papers and a bibliography has been supplied.