HC Deb 10 June 1953 vol 516 cc208-9
30. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why he has not renewed the appointment of Professor Arthur Lewis to the Colonial Development Corporation.

Mr. Lyttelton

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Fenner Brockway) by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State on 21st May, to which I have nothing to add.

Mr. Rankin

Has the Colonial Secretary decided who will succeed Professor Lewis in this appointment?

Mr. Lyttelton

No, not yet. This will be made public when the appointment has been made.

Mr. Rankin

In view of the present state of affairs, would the right hon. Gentleman consider appointing a non-white to this post?

Mr. Lyttelton

Appointments to the Board must, in the main, be decided by the commercial qualifications of those selected.

Mr. Fenner Brockway

Have the appointments of the other members of this Board been renewed?

Mr. Lyttelton

The appointments are what I think is called staggered, and I shall have to have notice of that to give the hon. Gentleman a satisfactory answer.