§ 37. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will consider publishing a statement of the Government's long-term and short-term colonial policy and to take action so that this can be fully appreciated in the Colonies; and whether similar publicity will be given to specific Colonies regarding plans of economic and educational development that are being implemented.
Mr. Creech JonesI am giving careful consideration to the problem of how to improve knowledge of colonial policy and administrative work at home, abroad and and in the Colonies; I recognise the shortcomings of existing arrangements and the importance of securing the understanding, confidence and cooperation of the colonial peoples. The annual reports from the individual territories will be resumed, and I hope to resume the issue to Parliament of an annual review of colonial progress and the work of the Colonial Office and this, with oral and other statements to Parliament, will be given the widest possible publicity in the Colonies.
106WAs to publicity on development programmes my predecessor urged Colonial Governments to consult local opinion and to give the fullest publicity to their plans, and this is being done. I am considering whether further steps can be taken to keep Members of Parliament better acquainted with these programmes.