HC Deb 26 February 1947 vol 433 cc2062-3
36. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the personnel of the board of the public company which he has appointed to develop the Cameroons under British Mandate.

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Creech Jones)

My hon. and learned Friend no doubt refers to the Cameroons Development Corporation, which has been set up by the Government of Nigeria under legislation enacted last December that legislation provides for the appointment by the Governor of a Board of six to eight members, including the chairman. The personnel of the Board is still under consideration, but the Chairman is to be Mr. F. E. V. Smith, the Development Secretary of the Nigerian Government. An announcement of the other appointments will be made in due course by the Government of Nigeria.

Mr. Hughes

Can my right hon. Friend say when this Board is likely to begin to operate, and what will be its powers?

Mr. Creech Jones

I think the Board will begin to operate as soon as appointments are made. As to its powers, it is, first of all, concerned with the cultivation of banana plantations, but will go on to cultivate, in the Cameroons, other West African products.

Mr. Erroll

Does the establishment of this Corporation specifically rule out the setting-up of private companies and private plantations in the Cameroons?

Mr. Creech Jones

Not necessarily