asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether be will now state the views of the Government with regard to Lord Hailey's proposals for Regional International Advisory Councils for Colonial territories in different parts of the world?

I have nothing to add at present to the reply which I gave to a Question on this subject by my hon. Friend on 24th March last.

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend say whether this admirable proposal is under discussion at the present time with the United Nations?

This was a purely unofficial proposal by one person. There have been many others of a similar character, and the Government are considering the whole broad aspect of the thing.

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend say when he hopes to be able to make a statement on this important subject?

No, Sir, I am afraid I cannot.

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend assure the House, that though there should be the closest collaboration in Colonial affairs between the various Powers concerned, it is very advisable that no action shall be taken which will mitigate in any way the sovereignty of Britain over her own Colonies?

Both the Prime Minister and I have already answered Questions specifically on that point.

Is it not quite clear that this is not part of the scheme, though?

If and when these councils meet, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman bear in mind the desirability of including on such councils a proportion of native representatives who are qualified, wherever possible?

That is another matter.