HC Deb 09 July 1947 vol 439 cc2212-3
56. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, in view of the undesirability of this country receiving financial assistance from Colonies whose peoples are far poorer than the people of this country and whose social services cannot expand as they should because of financal stringency, why the Nigerian and Gold Coast Governments were not informed that, while the motive of their gift of £25,000 to aid British flood victims was greatly appreciated, it is preferable that this sum should be used to meet West African needs, including damage from flood in West Africa.

Mr. Creech Jones

In each case the resolution proposing the gift was moved and seconded by African unofficial members of Legislative Councils. It would have been ungracious to have rejected this generous token of sympathy and contrary to the spirit of the relations existing between this country and the Colonies.

Mr. Sorensen

Is it not the case that we are making grants to these Colonies, who are intrinsically very poor and cannot afford gifts of this kind? Could not my right hon. Friend, while appreciating the motives, have acted more wisely in the matter?

Mr. Creech Jones

These grants were made to the Lord Mayor's Fund. It would have been most ungracious not to accept them.