§ 18. Mr. Russellasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how far the advice of the Colonial Economic Development Council was sought on the effect on the Colonial Empire of the Havana Charter and the policy on which it is based.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsThe Colonial Economic and Development Council was not consulted in this matter.
§ Mr. RussellCan the right hon. Gentleman say what steps were taken by his predecessor to ascertain the probable effect on the Colonial Empire of this policy of non-discrimination?
§ Mr. GriffithsThat is another question. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put it down.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydIs it not a fact that if the Colonial Economic Development Council is to give advice on economic subjects, nothing has happened in the last few years more important to them than the Havana Charter? Surely they ought to have been consulted before the Government's attitude was declared.
§ Mr. BraineWill the right hon. Gentleman tell us what use it is to talk about developing the economic resources of the Colonial Empire unless we make it plain to the world that we reserve the right to exchange mutual preference with constituent parts of the Empire?
§ Mr. GriffithsThe Question was whether this Council was consulted, and I said that it was not.