§ 2. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many schemes of the Colonial Development Corporation have been liquidated since the advent of the new administration in October, 1951.
§ Mr. LytteltonFive undertakings have been abandoned since October, 1951, namely: British Honduras Stock Farm; Seychelles Fisheries; South Atlantic Sealing Co., Ltd.; Keningau Cattle Ranch; British Somaliland Camel and Sheep Abattoir and Trading Investigation.
§ Mr. JohnsonWill the Secretary of State not agree, in view of our economic position, that it is more imperative than ever that we should employ the Colonial Development Corporation for these schemes? Can he give us an assurance that this Government are not weakening upon the policy of the Labour Government since 1945 in this respect?
§ Mr. LytteltonNothing but damage is done to colonial development when schemes which do not turn out to be possible are undertaken, but I can give the hon. Gentleman the assurance for which he asks.
Mr. DugdaleCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether any new schemes have been started since the present Government came into office?
§ Mr. LytteltonThat is another question.
§ Mr. HaleIt may be another question, but would the right hon. Gentleman answer it in courtesy to the House? Can he tell us what statement has been made to the House, and what particulars have been given and what information has been furnished, to support the thesis that these schemes ought to be abandoned?
§ Mr. LytteltonThe Report of the Colonial Development Corporation is not prepared by the Government, but it will give the hon. Member all the information he requires about the abandonment of the schemes. I have no information here about new schemes, but I shall be very glad to answer that question in full if it is put on the Paper.