52
The control exercised by Colonial legislatures over the actions of the executive in financial matters will be continued and extended, particularly through the machinery of Standing Finance Committees. I have asked Colonial Governments to review their local machinery of budgetary authorisation and control, and I am taking steps to set up a committee in London to advise me on the changes required in Colonial Regulations in the light of the policy of financial devolution. I do not, however, think it necessary to await the result of this review boford authorising the introduction of financial devolution to which I have referrod. Those will accordingly be put into operation immediately for the Tropical African Territorics (other than British Somaliland), subject to any views which the local Legislative Councils may express. I am considering the possibility of taking similar action with regard to any other Colonial territories where it would be appropriate to present circumstancos.
The measures of devolution which are being taken should not only render unnecessary a considerable volume of routine work at present required; they also mark a notable step forward in the evolution of Colonial Governments and Legislative Councils.