Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what schemes of development and welfare have been adopted in Nigeria during the past 12 months; what schemes are in contemplation; what grants have become available or are being made available under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act; and whether Parliament can be furnished with periodical statements indicating what progress is being made in British territories overseas.
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§ Colonel StanleyWith regard to the first part of the Question a list is appended of the schemes made on behalf of Nigeria under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act during the year 1944–45. These schemes form part of a general plan which is being prepared by the Nigerian Government to cover all aspects of social and economic development. The plan is expected to involve a total expenditure of up to £40,000,000 over a period of II years. Part of the cost will be met from Nigeria's own resources, but it is hoped to obtain further substantial aid under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act. Applications for such further assistance will be submitted as and when other Departmental schemes are completed. Full information regarding the outline plan and the progress made to date will be found in Nigeria Sessional Paper No. 6 of 1945, entitled "Preliminary Statement on Development Planning in Nigeria," a copy of which has been placed in the Library.
Annual statements of schemes made under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act are made to Parliament under Section I (iv) of the Act, and the next return will be issued as soon as possible after the end of this financial year. The question of arranging for the earlier communication to Parliament of particulars of schemes made is at present under consideration.
Schemes made on behalf of Nigeria under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act during the year 1944–45. Development £ Hausa newspaper and literature bureau 90,000 Leprosy control 258,000 Veterinary Training School (Supplementary Grant) 43,900 Road development 1,810,000 Rural water supplies 1,889,000 Urban water supplies 602,500 Village and urban industries 12,000 Extension of telecommunications 230,000 Health Service (preliminary scheme) 40,000 Anti-malarial measures, Lagos 162,000 Electrical and hydro-electrical development 370,000 Building programme 681,500 Development of technical education 401,000 Development officers 400,000 Development Total for 1944–45 £6,989,900