§ 23. Mr. Errollasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies to what extent Colonial Governments are obliged to submit to his Department detailed estimates of expenditure from the development 1305 fund before the money is spent; and whether he has considered relinquishing this control.
Mr. Creech JonesBy the terms of the Colonial Development and Welfare Acts, 1940 and 1945, grants can only be made in respect of schemes made by myself with the agreement of the Treasury and these schemes are required to be supported by detailed estimates to justify the assistance sought. This procedure, of course, serves the interests of the United Kingdom who provides the money and also of the Colonies for whose welfare and development the money is provided. While I am open to consider any difficulties experienced by the present procedure, I am advised that experience confirms that no fundamental alteration in the present system of control is called for.
§ Mr. ErrollWill the Minister please give the matter his consideration again, because considerable revision is called for, which means extra work is given to responsible officials on the spot?
§ Mr. ErrollCan the right hon. Gentleman ensure the elimination of the progress account which causes more trouble than the estimates?
§ Dr. SegalWill the Minister see that none of these development schemes end up as blueprints in pigeon holes?
§ Mr. DumpletonIs my right hon. Friend aware that in the West African Colonies particularly there is a considerable sense of frustration and, indeed, charges of delay because of the meticulous controls maintained over the accounts?
Mr. Creech JonesThe British taxpayer is involved and we are entitled to make certain safeguards regarding the expenditure of the money.