§ 1 and 2. Mr. Stracheyasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (1) whether he will introduce amending legislation to enable the Colonial Development Corporation to initiate schemes in newly independent Commonwealth countries;
(2) whether he will change the title of the Colonial Development Corporation to the Overseas Development Corporation.
§ The Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. Duncan Sandys)The present limitations upon the scope of the Colonial Development Corporation 1472 are now under review and the desirability of extending its operations in independent Commonwealth countries is being examined.
§ Mr. StracheyI am sure the whole House will be very glad to hear that Answer, because does the Commonwealth Secretary not realise it is just after independence that the support of schemes initiated with the economic and technical knowledge of the Corporation can be of such great value to the new countries? In those circumstances, where they are willing to have such support given to them, does he not agree that this is the most efficient and economical way in which we can help them?
§ Mr. SandysThose are some of the thoughts we have in mind.
§ Mr. ThorpeWhile adding to the pleasure that this is under reconsideration, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will consider whether other Commonwealth Governments might be persuaded to take part in this scheme as well, for example, Australia or Canada?
§ Mr. SandysThat is a wider question.