§ Mr. G. Straussasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement about the work of the East African Industrial Research and Development Board; what assistance it has received from public funds; and what are the Government's plans for the future of the industries it has helped to establish.
§ Colonel StanleyThe East African Industrial Research and Development Board was created in 1942 to continue the work of the East African Industries Technical Advisory Committee, founded in July, 1941, with the object of facilitating the establishment of new industries and processes, with the primary purpose of meeting military and civil needs with the minimum quantity of imports. The Board was replaced in 1943 by an East African Industrial Council, set up by the East African Governors Conference, and its executive side was divided into two parts, namely, the East African Industrial Research Board, and the East African Industrial Management Board. The functions of the Research Board are to conduct the preliminary laboratory and pilot plant tests necessary for the establishment of new industries. It is financed by contributions from the East African Governments. The Management Board manages such enterprises as it is decided to finance from public funds, the whole amount being payable by the Govern-832W ment of the territory in which the enterprise is located. A report has lately been published on East African industrial research activities from 1941 to the end of 1943. A copy will be laid in the Library of the House. No definite decision has as yet been taken regarding the future of the industries established by these agencies. I have no up to date information as to the expenditure of Government funds on this service, but I will make inquiries and communicate with my hon. Friend.