HC Deb 08 May 1962 vol 659 c189
4. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, if he will state in respect of each of the High Commission Territories the estimated percentage increase in public capital expenditure during the coming financial year compared with the last financial year.

Mr. Maudling

I am consulting the High Commissioner on the subject and will circulate the information required in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Thomson

Will the Secretary of State bear in mind that the special circumstances in the High Commission Territories justify a very high degree of priority in terms of capital help at the moment, and will he ensure that a substantial increase takes place in the coming financial year?

Mr. Maudling

I will look at the figure when I get the report, but I agree that these problems are considerable because of their latent natural resources.

Mr. Stonehouse

Has the right hon. Gentleman given any consideration to the recommendations of the Morse Committee's Report?

Mr. Maudling

Yes, Sir, but before answering what the result was, I should like to see a Question on the Notice Paper.