§ 3.35 p.m.
§ The MINISTER OF STATE FOR COLONIAL AFFAIRS (THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE)My Lords, it may be for the convenience of your Lordships if I intervene to make a statement in the same words as used by my right honourable friend in another place.
"It has been decided to extend the scope of the activities of the Colonial Development Corporation which have hitherto been confined to dependant territories. It is proposed henceforth to authorise the Corporation to undertake new development schemes in countries in which it was previously empowered to operate after they have become independent Members of the Commonwealth. The Corporation will be renamed the Commonwealth Development Corporation. The necessary legislation will be introduced as soon as possible."
§ LORD SILKINMy Lords, we welcome this statement for its own sake but also because this is something which has been urged upon the Government from this side of the House and from the other side of the House as well. We are very glad to see the Government in a receptive state of mind and we hope it will long continue.
LORD REAMy Lords, I think the whole House will agree with what the noble Lord, Lord Silkin, has just said. This is a solution which has been urged from all quarters of the House and it should have taken place before. It is no good recriminating about it now. Although it is not too late, it is very late; but I am extremely glad the Government are taking this step.