HL Deb 18 November 1952 vol 179 cc316-7

2.41 p.m.

THE EARL OF LISTOWEL

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether their attention has been drawn to the difficulties of the Colonial Research Council in regard to recruitment and long-term planning, caused by uncertainty about the future and whether they will remove this uncertainty by stating their intentions regarding the continuation of the policy of the Colonial Development and Welfare Acts after March, 1956.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (THE EARL OF MUNSTER)

My Lords, Her Majesty's Government have noted the concern expressed by the Colonial Research Council in their Report for the year 1951–52. As they recognise, the problem of providing finance for long-term research is bound up with that of providing further Colonial development and welfare funds after the present Acts expire in 1956. As regards the latter, the intentions of Her Majesty's Government were stated in another place on July 17 by my right honourable friend the Minister of State who, after saying that Her Majesty's Government recognise that the need which gave rise to Colonial development and welfare arrangements will still exist after 1956, added the assurance that they will consider in good time how the continuing need can best be met. The noble Earl may rest assured that the need to provide continuity of funds for research will not be overlooked.

LORD OGMORE

My Lords, if I may support the Question of my noble friend, I should like also to ask the Minister two questions: first, whether he will consider publishing a White Paper giving the whole of the facts relating to the Colonial Development and Welfare Fund and the research grants up to date; and, secondly, whether he, in conjunction with the noble Marquess the Leader of the House, will consider arranging a debate in your Lordships' House on this matter. I feel that the Government, before they finally make up their minds, might consider the opinions of some of us who believe that the next long-term grant under the Colonial Development and Welfare Fund might be on a somewhat different basis from the last one.

THE EARL OF MUNSTER

My Lords, let me assure the noble Lord that I will discuss with my right honourable friend whether he would be prepared to issue a White Paper giving the information which the noble Lord desires. As regards a debate on the whole general question, perhaps that can be considered through the normal channels.

THE EARL OF LISTOWEL

While thanking the noble Earl opposite for his reply, which, if I am not mistaken, is rather reassuring, may I ask him this? Does it mean that, provided circumstances (I am thinking of financial circumstances) do not alter very considerably, these funds will be available after 1956? Secondly, if that is the case, can the Colonial Governments, who would be handicapped in their planning if they thought that these funds would not be available, and the Colonial Research Council, be advised of the Government's policy as clearly as possible at the earliest possible moment?

THE EARL OF MUNSTER

Yes, but I would add this; in any matter such as this, which would involve fresh legislation, imposing further charges on public funds, I cannot say anything definite at the present stage; and I do not think the House would expect me to do so.