§ 112. Mr. Shinwellasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the importance of the Colonies in the economic life of the Commonwealth, he will consider recommending to the colonial administrations the creation of a permanent colonial council with headquarters in London for the purpose of co-ordinating the economic activities of the Colonies.
§ Mr. LytteltonI would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the statement of my predecessor when replying to the debate on a Private Member's Motion on 2nd February, 1951.
The variety of economic conditions and the differing stages of development in the Colonies set limits to the scope for central co-ordination of economic activities. Where it can be usefully done such co-ordination is already being effectively carried out by my Department, either through normal administrative channels or by periodic conferences. The addition of new permanent machinery of the kind proposed by the right hon. Gentleman would not be practicable.