§ 35. Mr. Owenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what provision is made for the encouragement of cooperative services in the Colonies and Dependencies; and if he will make a statement on Government policy.
§ Mr. HareMy right hon. Friend attaches much importance to the development of co-operative societies in the Colonies.
Thirty-two territories now have registrars of co-operative societies, and 23 of these have separately organised cooperative departments. Registered societies which totalled 1,885 in 1945 have increased to nearly five times that number. My adviser on co-operation pays frequent 1422 visits to Colonial Territories and personally directed training courses in 1955 and 1956 for officers employed in departments of co-operation in Africa. The salaries of registrars and other members of cooperative departments are borne on local funds.