§ 45. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the recent speech of the Australian Attorney-General advocating consultations between the British Government and the Dominion Governments on foreign affairs; and whether, in agreement with the Dominion Governments, he will take steps to establish machinery with a view to securing adequate consultation on the main aspects of foreign affairs?
§ The Prime MinisterAs the House is aware, the principles regarding the system of communication and consultation between His Majesty's several Governments on foreign affairs are now well established, and the machinery at present in force has been devised to give effect to those 1899 principles. The present system is being constantly watched and His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom are always ready to apply any practical proposal which would have the effect of improving the machinery.
§ Mr. HendersonAre we to take it from the answer that the Dominion Governments are given the opportunity of helping to shape British foreign policy, and are not merely asked to approve or disapprove a particular aspect of foreign policy?
§ The Prime MinisterAs the Attorney-General for Australia said in this particular speech, international events cannot always wait while the family is having a chat round the fireside, but we take every possible opportunity to keep the Dominion Governments fully informed of developments in foreign policy.
§ Mr. BellengerIs it not possible and desirable to utilise modern methods for quick communication between the Governments, such as wireless telephony?
§ The Prime MinisterWe are always trying to improve our methods, but we cannot lay down any hard-and-fast rules about the use of any particular method.
§ Lieut.-Commander FletcherHave any concrete proposals been received from the Dominions recently for the improvement of the machinery?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.