§ 92. Mr. D. Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make a statement about the suggested withdrawal of the West Indies Federal Government from the work of the Caribbean Commission on financial grounds.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydSince the Caribbean Commission was set up in 1946 most of the territories of the Member Governments in the area have advanced in constitutional status. Consideration is therefore being given by the Governments concerned to bringing the existing Commission to an end and the setting up of a successor organisation which will be run by the territories themselves. The Federal Government is anxious to take part in such an organisation, but considers that in view of its limited financial resources it cannot meet the cost involved. The Federal Government has now asked Her Majesty's Government for financial assistance for this purpose and this request is being considered. Meanwhile, in order to safeguard their position in the future Her Majesty's Government have given the required one year's notice of withdrawal from the present Commission at the end of 1959.