HC Deb 28 May 1952 vol 501 cc1330-1
8. Mr. Braine

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the Colonial Development Corporation Scheme on Eleuthera Island is operating at a heavy loss; and whether, in view of the serious consequences to the small local community if it should fail, he will examine alternative methods, not under the operation of the Colonial Development Corporation, by which the Scheme may be placed upon a sound basis and by which production can be maintained.

Mr. Hopkinson

I am aware from the Annual Report for 1951 that the Corporation's operating losses on this Scheme were£49,960. I understand that alternative methods for developing the Eleuthera Estate are now being studied by the Corporation.

Mr. Braine

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is only one of the many cases in which the Colonial Development Corporation have been shown to be not the best instrument for large-scale development? Is it the intention of my right hon. Friend to make an early statement of policy on the matter?

Mr. Hopkinson

There will no doubt be at some future date an opportunity of discussing all these matters on the Colonial Development Corporation's Report.

Mr. Braine

Can my right hon. Friend say when that is likely to be debated?

Mr. Hopkinson

That is a matter which must be left to my right hon. Friend.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Is it not clear from our experience of development in the Colonies by both private and public enterprise that we ought not to cherish the hope that we shall always be able to make these developments at a profit?

Mr. Braine

Would not my right hon. Friend say that development by external agencies is hardly in keeping with our colonial policy in general? Would it not be far better to invest public money in the Colonial Development and Welfare Fund and let the responsibility be vested in Colonial Governments?

Mr. Griffiths

Is it not the case that the policy of the late Government, which this Government is continuing, was to use both the Colonial Development and Welfare Fund and the Colonial Development Corporation?

Mr. Hopkinson

It is certainly our intention to draw on both.