§ 28. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the present functions of the Chief Commissioner of the Protectorate of Sierra Leone in regard to local government; and what is the relation of the Chief Commissioner to the Minister of Local Government.
§ The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Oliver Lyttelton)The Chief Commissioner is the executive Head of the Provincial Administration in the Protectorate and is responsible to the Governor for those aspects of provincial administration which are not dealt with by the local government authorities. He works in close liaison, in an advisory capacity, with the Minister for Education, Local Government and Welfare on those subjects which fall within the latter's portfolio, including local government policy and the services provided by local authorities in the Protectorate.
§ Mr. SorensenIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the functions of these three gentlemen are properly co-ordinated, and are they now considering any further developments in local government in Sierra Leone?
§ Mr. LytteltonYes, the provision with regard to local government in Sierra Leone is in a transitional state, and there are proposals for a wide extension of the powers of district councils.