§ Mr. Sorensenasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether attention will be given to the publication of a declaration of principles applicable to the Colonial peoples similar to the Atlantic Charter; and whether there is any likelihood of proposals for progressive political and economic development in the Colonial areas being considered and published before the end of the war relative to, arid in co-ordination with, existing assistance being given for specific items of economic and social improvement?
§ Mr. Harold MacmillanIn regard to the first part of the Question, I regret that I, can add nothing to the replies already, given on the same subject. In present conditions, as my hon. Friend will appreciate, the energies of the Colonial Empire are being unstintedly devoted to work directly related to the prosecution of the war. Subject to that overriding consideration, the Development and Welfare Act is being operated to the fullest practicable extent. As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, the question of the political and economic development of the Colonies is under constant consideration. My Noble Friend does not, however, at present contemplate the publication of proposals of the kind mentioned in the second part of the Question.