§ 86 and 87. Mr. T. Reidasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) if he will arrange for the annual handbook of each colony to give salient facts and figures, rather than mere general statements and comparative facts and figures for the current and past year, and to show the rate of progress or decline in all branches of public life, such as defence, constitutions, social conditions, justice, crime, development of national wealth, education, health, employment, administration of land and fisheries, communications, population, standard of living and finance;
(2) if he will ask the government of each colony and mandated territory to publish annually a handbook giving a brief but comprehensive view of the past history and present conditions of each territory, and not merely a report on the details of one year's administration, for the use of hon. Members of this House, the changing personnel of the Colonial Office and colonial services and for sale to the public interested in the colonies.
§ Mr. George HallThe publication of annual reports relating to Colonial territories was suspended during the war. The question of the future form and content of such reports is now being considered and in that connection I will bear in mind my hon. Friend's suggestions, for which I am much obliged.