HC Deb 12 April 1938 vol 334 cc913-4
29. Mr. Mander

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will publish the terms of the communication from New Zealand expressing disagreement with the foreign policy of the British Government; and how many of the other Dominions have expressed the same view?

The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)

It would not be in accordance with practice to publish the terms of communications which pass between the Governments of the British Commonwealth of Nations regarding foreign policy, but I can assure the hon. Member that no communication has been received from the Government of New Zealand or any other Dominion expressing disagreement with the general policy in foreign affairs being pursued by His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Mander

Is it not quite well known to the Government that the Government of New Zealand is out of sympathy——

Mr. Speaker rose

——

Mr. Mander

I am asking whether I may be permitted to put a supplementary arising out of my original question?

Mr. Mabane

May I draw your attention, Mr. Speaker, to the terms of this question?

Mr. Speaker

I did not like the hon. Member using the term "quite well known to the Government," in putting a supplementary question.

Mr. Mander

May I put it in another way? May I ask whether any communications have been received——

Mr. Speaker

The right hon. Gentleman has just said that there have been no such communications.

Mr. De la Bère

Does the hon. Member think this is a contribution to Empire unity?