Colonial Office

Colonial Office. English Colonies were originally under "The Board of Trade and Plantations," but in 1774 an Act was passed making Canada one royal government under the name of Quebec, and placing it under a Secretary of State for the Colonies, who is now always a member of the Cabinet. This office was for a time (1801-1854) united with that of the Secretary for War. The Crown Colonies are governed through the Colonial Office, and it is the channel of communication with the rest. The staff now includes a parliamentary and a permanent under-secretary, three assistant under-secretaries, and some twenty-five clerks, with other officials, copyists, etc.