HC Deb 23 November 1950 vol 481 cc493-4
32. Mr. Hugh Fraser

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether, in view of the great interest aroused, he will now publish a report on the Bechuanaland Cattle Schemes.

Mr. Gordon-Walker

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies explained in the House on 3rd November the main points of the scheme recently announced by the Colonial Development Corporation for cattle raising in the Bechuanaland Protectorate. Detailed arrangements are now being negotiated between the Corporation and the High Commissioner for Basutoland, the Bechuanaland Protectorate and Swaziland. The publication of a report is a matter for the Corporation.

Mr. H. Fraser

Is it not of great interest to the House that this type of Colonial development scheme should be laid before the House so that we can appreciate what is going on? Have we not had in the past rather unfortunate experiences of the failure of the Government so to do?

Mr. Gordon-Walker

I do not think so. The Corporations make annual reports, and, if they wish, make special reports, which are available to the House, which will also he the case in this instance.