§ 61. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will make a statement upon the working and progress, to date, of the regional development boards in Nigeria.
§ Mr. CookFour regional development boards, to cover the Northern, Western and Eastern Provinces and the Colony, were set up in 1949 to provide financial assistance to local authorities and individuals for projects of economic importance. Funds of over £1 million have been allocated to these boards. According to my latest information advances of over £800,000 have been authorised. The boards, which all have a majority of African members, have already played a valuable part in encouraging local undertakings.