§ 11. Sir R. Aclandasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the statement by Sir John Sterndale Bennett, Deputy High Commissioner for South-East Asia, at the Economic Co-operation Asia and Far East Conference to the effect that there ought to be a reduction in development programmes, was made with his authority.
§ Mr. NuttingSir John Sterndale Bennett was misreported. He emphasised the importance of development in South-East Asia, but pointed out that deficit financing might endanger development by causing inflation, and thus necessitate a reduction of some programmes.
§ Sir R. AclandCan the hon. Gentleman say that all the quotations from his speech, as reported in the Press, which indicated the damping down of development, the postponement of ail projects which would not lead to increased production of food within two years, and the need for financing what remains by reduction in the people's consumption, were all misreported and that he did not say anything to discourage development and economic expansion in South-East Asia?
§ Mr. NuttingIf it would satisfy or comfort the hon. Baronet in any way, I should be glad to send a copy of the speech to him from which he will see that my answer is substantially correct.