§ 45. Mr. Butcherasked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to visit Australia and New Zealand during the current year.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)The Australian and New Zealand Governments very kindly invited me last summer to visit Australia and New Zealand. I had hoped to do so during the summer Recess, but the pressure of affairs was so great at that time that I had, with keen regret, to inform Mr. Chifley and Mr. Fraser that I should have to postpone my visit. Mr. Chifley and Mr. Fraser most generously kept this invitation open, and it is my earnest hope that I may be able to pay this visit. I am sure, however, that the House will realise that, in view of the urgent pressure of affairs both at home and abroad, it is very difficult for me to suggest at present any firm date for the postponed visit to Australia and New Zealand. I should like to take this opportunity of saying how deeply I appreciate these invitations and how much I am looking forward to visiting the two countries.