10. Mr. Dugdaleasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations how many co-operative officers there are in Basutoland. Swaziland and Bechuanaland.
Commander NobleThere are twelve co-operative officers in Basutoland and none in the Bechuanaland Protectorate and Swaziland.
Mr. DugdaleWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman consider appointing some for the other two Territories? If they are desirable in one Territory, surely they are desirable in the other two?
Commander NobleThe reason why there are no co-operative officers in the Bechuanaland Protectorate is that there are no co-operatives. There are only two co-operatives in Swaziland and no co-operative officers have been appointed yet. It is intended to appoint officers when the territorial financial position permits.
§ Mr. BottomleyHas any consideration been given to the circular sent out by the Colonial Office in, I think, 1946, encouraging the formation of co-operative organisations in territories outside the Dominions? Has any action been taken upon it?
Commander NobleMy hon. Friend dealt with this in some detail in reply to a Question put by the hon. Member for Wednesbury (Mr. Stonehouse) on 22nd May, and I think he made it clear that we are anxious to give any help we can in the development of co-operatives, if required by the areas themselves.
Mr. DugdaleIs the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that his answer is not really very satisfactory, even if it is a little smart? The point is that co-operative officers are expected to help in the formation of co-operatives, and if there are no co-operative officers there will not be any co-operatives.
Commander NobleI do not think that is necessarily the case but, as both my hon. Friend and I have said, Her Majesty's Government are only too keen to give any help they can in this matter.