Clause 2.—(PROVISION FOR THE NEW HEBRIDES.) (Hansard, 7 February 1955)

Mr. Creech Jones
The Clause is something of an innovation. Before it is passed, we should have some explanation why the Clause is here at all and what are the intentions of the Government in the days ahead. In the past, we have had some difficulty in regard to the administration of the Condominium in the New Hebrides, and it would be interesting to know whether the French are to share with us the cost that is involved in these development plans.
We have had in the last year or so a very bitter disappointment in regard to the Condominium which operated in the case of the Sudan, where the contribution was almost entirely from the British side. One hopes that in the New Hebrides the contribution will be a mutual one, and that the French will share in the cost involved to something like the same extent as ourselves. In any case, because it is an innovation in respect to a con-dominion, I think that we ought to be told how the arrangements for development and welfare are to work, how they will be administered in the territory, who will be responsible for the expenditure, and what the plans of the French Government really are.

§ Mr. Hopkinson
This Clause dealing with the Anglo-French Condominium in the New Hebrides makes the Condominium eligible for Colonial Development and Welfare assistance, and that is all that it does. The Condominium was excluded from earlier Acts, and this Clause now brings it within the purview of the Acts. This arose as follows. The United Kingdom and French High Commissioners for the New Hebrides recommended that assistance towards a development programme in the Condominium 1660 should be given from Colonial and Development Welfare funds and from their French equivalent. That recommendation is being considered.
It has not yet been decided whether to agree to it or not. All that the Clause does is to make it possible to agree to that request, should it be considered desirable to do so. If it is decided in principle that C.D. and W. assistance should be given to the New Hebrides, the financial arrangements will be discussed with the French Government, and, although the point has not been raised with me, I should imagine that we should discuss it on the basis of sharing equally any funds towards the development of the Condominium.
This matter was raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Ilford, North (Mr. Iremonger) the other evening. He also put a question to me about the responsibility of the South Pacific Commission in relation to the development plans. I do not know whether I should be in order in dealing with that, but all I have to say to the House is that the British and French resident Commissioners will certainly have regard to the existence of this Commission in drawing up any development programmes which they may have for the New Hebrides.

§ Mr. Ede (South Shields)
What exactly is meant by this Clause? Does it mean that if the French will not contribute anything we shall do nothing? How far have negotiations gone? One would expect, on seeing an enabling Clause of this kind, that there was hope of using it. In the event of the French Government not being able to contribute, does it mean that nothing will be done?

§ Mr. Hopkinson
This is in a comparatively early stage. As this Bill was going forward it was thought convenient to include this Clause, embracing the condominium if it were desired. We shall discuss with the French Government what can be and should be done, and I have no doubt whatever that in the end the New Hebrides will get assistance from the French and British Governments towards their development programme. I cannot commit the Government at this moment as to how this is going to be carried out, because it is at an early stage.

§ Mr. J. Griffiths
If this Clause is passed, it will enable the British Government to make a grant whether the French did so or not.

§ Mr. Hopkinson
I am quite aware of that, but what I am saying is that we are not committing ourselves at this stage to doing anything either with or without the French.