HC Deb 30 November 1953 vol 521 cc766-7
53. Mrs. White

asked the Undersecretary of State for Commonwealth Relations the reasons for the delay in the publication of the report of the Gaitskell Mission on cattle raising in Bechuanaland.

The Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. John Foster)

Preparation of the maps, which are an essential part of the report, and discussion with the High Commissioner have taken longer than foreseen. I hope that the report will now be published next month.

Mrs. White

As the hon. and learned Gentleman and his noble Friend have had this report in their hands for more than six months, and as, I believe, its recommendations include a five years' pilot period, which is of very great importance for this territory, can he explain why it is not possible to produce a report for public perusal a little quicker?

Mr. Foster

I can only repeat my answer. I offered the hon. Lady a copy of the report on 18th June, and I have with me a copy which she can have.