This book is the first full-length historical study of the attitudes of the British Colonial Office towards industrialisation in the colonial Empire. Dr Butler challenges the prevailing assumption that London and the Colonial governments colluded to frustrate industrial initiatives, leaving a legacy of under development. Taking colonial policy towards West Africa as a case study, he shows that, during the 1940s, the Office evolved a policy of encouraging colonial industry as part of a broad programme of development intended to prepare colonies for eventual independence. He also examines problems faced by the Colonial Office in implementing its new industrial policy, particularly the difficulties arising from wartime and post-war constraints on Britain's ability to supply capital goods and other exports necessary for development.