§ 42. Mr. Fisherasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action he proposes to take following the criticisms of the former management revealed in the Annual Report of the Colonial Development Corporation.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsMatters of management are the responsibility of the Corporation who are, as the Report indicates, overhauling their organisation with a view to the elimination of the shortcomings of which admission is made.
§ Mr. FisherIf the right hon. Gentleman accepts responsibility for the veracity of this Report, which I presume he does, does he not consider that some of the facts revealed in it reflect very seriously on the mismanagement of public funds by the former Chairman? Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take any action?
§ Mr. GriffithsI have referred the hon. Member to the Report itself, which contains proposals for the re-organisation of the Corporation. This is a subject which cannot be discussed by question and answer. Presumably we shall at some time have an opportunity of discussing it in the House.
§ Mr. Walter FletcherDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the responsibility was not only that of the Chairman but of the directors, and does 1176 he propose making any changes in the Board, for whose appointment he is responsible?
§ Mr. GriffithsThat is another question.