Advisory Committee on Economics

Oral Answers to Questions — Colonial Empire – in the House of Commons at on 19 January 1944.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Major Abraham Lyons Major Abraham Lyons , Leicester East

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies which members of the Advisory Committee on Economics have had any first-hand experience of the Colonies; and how many meetings this Committee has held since its inception.

Photo of Hon. Oliver Stanley Hon. Oliver Stanley , Westmorland

I am not quite certain what my hon. and gallant Friend would classify as first-hand experience, but all but three of the members of the committee, including the secretary, have either lived in or visited one or more Colonial territories. My absence in Africa caused some delay in setting the committee at work on the full programme designed for it, but the full committee has now held two meetings and there have also been five meetings of various sub-committees appointed by it to deal with special topics.

Photo of Major Abraham Lyons Major Abraham Lyons , Leicester East

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend assure us that meetings will be held as regularly and frequently as practicable and as circumstances seem to warrant?

Photo of Hon. Oliver Stanley Hon. Oliver Stanley , Westmorland

Most certainly, Sir. I regard this as a most important committee and the committee itself regards its work as of great importance.