§ LORD BARNBYMy 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 they are able to state the value of advances or loans arranged under the Commonwealth Development Finance Company, Limited, and of such total what proportion were arranged respectively for areas within (a) Dominions, (b) Colonies.]
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS (THE EARL OF HOME)My Lords, the Commonwealth Development Finance Company is a private company, and accordingly there is no ministerial responsibility for its activities. I cannot therefore give the information which the noble Lord requires. The Company, however, publishes an Annual Report with details of its investments. The latest Annual Report, published on March 31, 1955, gives all the Company's investments to that date; and an explanatory Memorandum, published in April, 1954, describes its method of operation. These can be obtained from the Secretary, Mr. J. H. Rhynd, at 153, Cornhill, London, E.C.3.