§ 17. Professor Savoryasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the negotiations which took place in Paris on 15th November between Members of the Government of the United Kingdom and representatives of the Governments of Canada, Australia and New Zealand on the one hand and representatives of the Government of Eire on the other.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerThe matters discussed at the meetings in Paris are now under consideration by the Governments of the Commonwealth. I regret, therefore, that I am unable at present to make the statement for which the hon. Member asks.
§ Professor SavoryWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that on previous occasions when amendments to the Treaty of 1921 have been made they have always been submitted to this House for ratification, as in 1925 and 1938; and will the same procedure be adopted on this occasion?
§ Mr. Noel-BakerI will certainly bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman says and look at it very carefully.
§ Sir R. RossWill the right hon. Gentleman also bear in mind the old English maxim: You cannot eat your cake and have it?