§ 43. Mr. Piratinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how much of the £120 million allocated to the Colonies under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act, 1945, has been taken up each year since the passing of the Act; and what is the overall amount spent in the Colonies on development and welfare each year since the passing of the Act.
Mr. Creech JonesThe following annual sums have been issued from the Colonial Development and Welfare Vote since the 1946 Act came into force: 1946–47, £3,150,000; 1947–48, £5,130,000; 1948–49, £6,240,000. There are no means of answering the second part of the Question, since many aspects of development and welfare in the Colonies are so closely integrated with normal administration and development that separate overall figures are net available.
§ Mr. PiratinAs these figures which the right hon. Gentleman has given in no way bear any relation to the average annual proportion of the £120 million allocated by the Act, can he say what steps are being taken to ensure that the Act is being operated? Is he satisfied, for example, that the Governments of the Colonies are really carrying the Act out in spirit and in letter?
Mr. Creech JonesThe Governments are carrying out the Act both in spirit and letter. I would remind the hon. Member that a Bill is before the House which deals with the whole of this subject and expenditure under the Act.
§ Mr. Oliver StanleyIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied, in comparison with other capital developments undertaken by the Government, that there are proper priorities in regard to materials needed for this Colonial expenditure?
Mr. Creech JonesYes, Sir. During the past year there has been a tremendous speed-up in regard to the delivery of capital goods and other raw materials required for this development work.