§ Mr. Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Regional Council of Ministers, envisaged in paragraph 62 of Command Paper No. 1746, has now been set up in the West Indies; what secretariat has been provided; what meetings it has held; and what main topics are its initial concern.
§ Mr. SandysThe Regional Council of Ministers, under the Chairmanship of Sir John Stow, the Governor of Barbados, held its first meeting on 24th May. A second meeting was held in Barbados between 5th and 7th July. The discussions of the Council have covered the formation of a Secretariat, representation of the Governments in London, the terms of reference of the preparatory Commissions and other matters of common concern. The Council has approved the appointment of an Administrative Secretary and subordinate staff. Her Majesty's Government has promised to contribute up to £10,000 towards costs of the Secretariat during its first year.