HC Deb 31 January 1961 vol 633 c771
31. Mr. Tilney

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what plans he has for the future of the Colonial Development Corporation in the South Cameroons after the forthcoming plebiscite.

Mr. H. Fraser

The Colonial Development Corporation will be able to continue its existing undertaking in the management and financing of the Cameroons Development Corporation, but, in accordance with the usual statutory principles, will not be able to undertake new projects after the termination of the United Kingdom Trusteeship.

Mr. Tilney

Could my hon. Friend say how much money the Colonial Development Corporation has put into the Cameroons Development Corporation and how much money it has committed this year and for future years? Do I understand correctly from my hon. Friend's Answer that hundreds of thousands of £s of British taxpayers' money will in future be paid into the South Cameroons even if that country federates with a foreign country?

Mr. Fraser

No, Sir. Under our obligations we are obliged to look after the well-being of the people of the Southern Cameroons. Last year we were fully aware of what was about to happen. My right hon. Friend and the Colonial Development Corporation decided to invest sums which will total nearly £3 million in the development of this area.

Mr. Tilney

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.