HC Deb 19 November 1947 vol 444 cc1122-3
15. Mr. Geoffrey Cooper

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the main function of the Co-operation Adviser now appointed at a salary of £1,350, appearing in the 1947–48 Estimates.

Mr. Creech Jones

The Adviser is concerned with the development of cooperative practice in the Colonies. He not only advises me on a variety of matters designed to assist the growth of the cooperative movement, but also advises Colonial Governments on the many problems and difficulties arising overseas. He is also most useful in organising recruitment and training, and acting as a link with the co-operative bodies in this country.

Mr. Cooper

Could my right hon. Friend tell us what his policy is in connection with the formation of consumer co-operatives, particularly in Nigeria, as I believe there has been a certain amount of official obstruction? Could my right hon. Friend's Co-operative Adviser look into the matter, with a view to getting it clarified?

Mr. Creech Jones

There has been no recent official obstruction, but in a circular I issued some months ago it was made clear that within the range of co-operative practice consumers' co-operatives are included.

Brigadier Rayner

In view of the national emergency, is it not time that many of these new and fancy appointments were abolished?

Mr. Creech Jones

Anyone with a knowledge of the problems of agricultural development in the Colonies will appreciate how very valuable is this assistance.

Mr. Pickthorn

Can we be told what is the length and time of the appointment, to what date, for how many years?

Mr. Creech Jones

There is no time limit for these appointments. They go on to the establishment of the Colonial Office as advisers to the Secretary of State.

Mr. Oliver Stanley

Is it not a fact that a large part of his work is to advise the producers' co-operatives, which form an important part of the production effort of the Colonies?

Mr. Creech Jones

Yes, Sir. In the Colonies the producers' side of the cooperative practice is most important. In view of the big drive forward in developing agriculture, this work is of great significance at the present moment.