HC Deb 23 May 1944 vol 400 cc570-2
47. Mr. Edgar Granville

asked the Prime Minister whether, as a result of the decisions taken at the Conference of Dominion Prime Ministers, it is now intended to set up machinery for closer consultation between the members of the Commonwealth of British Nations.

Mr. Attlee

The existing system of consultation between the Governments of the British Commonwealth and Empire was reviewed at- the Prime Minister's meeting. General satisfaction was expressed as to the degree of consultation achieved by the existing means. The Dominion Prime Ministers agreed to consider the position further with their colleagues on their return to their respective countries.

Mr. Granville

In view of the fact that public opinion has had an opportunity of hearing the Canadian Prime Minister's point of view, will the right hon. Gentleman consider making available a report for the public of the speech which was made by the Australian Prime Minister upstairs in this House, in which he referred to this matter?

Mr. Attlee

That is a matter for the Prime Minister.

Mr. Shinwell

Are we to understand from the reply, that specific proposals were placed before the Dominion Prime Ministers on which they are to consult their colleagues in their respective countries, and will these specific proposals be made available to hon. Members at any time?

Mr. Attlee

That is another question.

Mr. Shinwell

If it is another question, at what appropriate stage will my right hon. Friend be able to answer it? Is it so difficult?

Mr. Attlee

My hon. Friend did not give me any notice of that question.

Sir A. Beit

Are we to assume that no experiments could be made in this direction so long as there were any opponents of the proposals?

Mr. Granville

In view of the fact that there is a precedent in the case of the speech by Field Marshal Smuts, will the right hon. Gentleman, to dispel any notion that the Government only want to hear one point of view, reconsider whether the speech of the Australian Prime Minister can be made public—the speech which was made upstairs at this House?