§ Mr. D. SOMERVILLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can now state the composition of the Committee which is to inquire into the utilisation of private enterprise in the development of the African Colonies; whether such Committee will take evidence; if so, whether such evidence will be drawn both from this country and from the colonies concerned; and whether it will be unofficial as well as official?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThe chairman of the Committee referred to by the hon. Member will be Lord Ronaldshay, and the following have accepted an invitation to serve as members: My hon. Friends the Chancellor for the Duchy of Lancaster and the hon. Member for the Exchange division of Manchester (Sir E. Stockton), Sir James Stevenson, G.C.M.G., who is Commercial Adviser to the Secretary of State, Sir William Mercer, and Mr. C. E. Gunther. I have not yet received replies from Sir William Acworth, Sir Frederick Lugard, and Mr. E. E. Peacock, of whom the two first-named are at present on the Continent. The answer to the second and third and last parts of the question is in the affirmative.