Theory question 110
Colonial AdministrationSection B: Political and Constitutional Developments in West Africa and International Relations
What were the functions of the Secretary of State for the Colonies in the colonial period?
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Member of the British cabinet answerable to Parliament for colonial affairs.
Made and directed British colonial policy.
Recommended the appointment of Governors and supervised them.
Issued instructions to Governors and advised them on problems.
Approved or disallowed colonial legislation.
Approved colonial budgets and loans and oversaw finances.
Set up commissions of enquiry into disturbances (e.g. Aba women's riot 1929).
Received petitions from colonial peoples.
Approved new constitutions and chaired constitutional conferences.
Reported to Parliament and the Crown on the colonies.
Explain each function.