§ Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Colonies and Protectorates have any voice in the selection of the two members who represent them on the Imperial Economic Committee; and what direct acquaintance through residence or travel, these members have with the Colonies and Protectorates?
§ Dr. SHIELSThe two members representing the Colonies and Protectorates on the imperial Economic Committee are appointed by my right hon. and Noble Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies. One is a member of the staff of the Colonial Office and the other member is elected by a panel consisting of representatives of various Colonial associations in this country. The Committee undertakes inquiries into various products, and the panel has usually tried to elect a member who is interested in that part of the Colonies from which that product chiefly comes. Sir Edward Davson, Sir Sydney Henn and Mr. J. H. Batty have been members, and I believe that all of them have travelled in that part of the Colonies in which their interests lie. It will be appreciated that it is almost impossible to secure members who have experience, by travelling or otherwise, of all the Colonies.