§ 31. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has yet considered his future policy regarding colonial development and welfare arrangements after 31st March, 1956, when the 10-year development period is due to end.
§ Mr. LytteltonUntil I have received and examined, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the plans for future development which all the Colonial Territories have been asked to submit, I cannot add to the information about further colonial development and welfare assistance which I gave the House on 24th June last. I still hope that it will be found possible to introduce new legislation on this subject early in the next Session.
§ Mr. JohnsonCan the Secretary of State tell the House how much of the money that was originally devoted to this purpose in 1946 has been spent and how much is still committed?
§ Mr. LytteltonThe hon. Gentleman had better put that Question on the Paper.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsPending legislation, can arrangements be made to ensure that long-term research is not handicapped by the inability to vote sums for long-term research work?
§ Mr. LytteltonThe right hon. Gentleman knows that, as I said on 24th June, the Colonial Governments can commit themselves to certain sums in advance of the legislation, and if there is any shortage of money such as the right hon. Gentleman appears to fear, I should not hesitate to come to the House again.