§ Mr. Rileyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in connection with schemes promoted by the West Indian Colonial Governments and the Stockdale Commission under the Colonial Development and Welfare Act, he can give an assurance that the legislative council of the Colony concerned, as well as the local authorities and public opinion in the particular district for which a scheme is proposed, are consulted before a decision is taken to recommend a scheme for approval by the Secretary of State for the Colonies?
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansThere is no invariable practice of prior consultation with the legislatures before schemes are recommended for the approval of my right hon. and gallant Friend. The recommendations of the Comptroller, however, are prepared after consultation with the local interests concerned and are now usually published locally. An opportunity is thus given for discussion by the legislative council, should that body so desire, before recommendations are submitted for approval. All moneys provided under the Act are included in the Estimates of the Colonies so that an opportunity is invariably given for discussion of the schemes by the legislative councils. My right hon. Friend has received no suggestion from any of the councils that this procedure fails to meet the needs of adequate consultation.