HC Deb 22 November 1962 vol 667 cc1376-7
2. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the First Secretary of State if he will publish the report he has received from his working party of experts on the financial and economic aspects of the links between the territories of the Central African Federation.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The advisers, whose appointment I announced on 28th June, have reported to me personally and I do not intend to publish the advice which I have received from them.

Mr. Thomson

In view of the complexity of the problems and of the importance of having as many facts as possible in order to take cool decisions about them, would it not be immensely helpful to public opinion in this country and in Central Africa if it were to have the advantage of the information now before the First Secretary?

Mr. Butler

There is a Motion on the Order Paper and there should be an opportunity for discussing these matters in the House. I certainly did not want a public inquiry. Any information which I can give to the House as a result of Her Majesty's Government's decisions or interim decisions I shall be very glad to give.