§ 7. Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when was the last occasion on which an independent committee investigated the constitutional and administrative system of the Seychelles; what recommendations were made; and with what results.
§ Mr. ProfumoI cannot trace any investigation of this kind. There was an examination of the financial position of 394 the Colony, carried out in 1933 by Mr. T. Reid, who was well known and respected in this House as Member for Swindon.
§ Mr. SwinglerThat was a long time ago. Does this not show that it is time some investigation of this kind were held? Is the Under-Secretary of State aware that I now have the support of The Times in favour of such an inquiry? In view of the serious scandals that have taken place in the Seychelles year after year and revealed in the Auditor's Report, as well as an accumulation of inefficiencies and irregularities, would he not now set up an investigation?
§ Mr. ProfumoI find the hon. Gentleman's charges exaggerated. None the less, a Commissioner is being appointed to examine the financial and fiscal policy, and the investigation will necessarily include aspects of the administrative system.