HC Deb 09 February 1949 vol 461 cc376-9
Mr. Churchill (by Private Notice)

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make as to the method by which the British Delegation to the European Assembly is to be chosen, and whether he can assure the House that no attempt will be made to confine it to Government nominees or Members of the Socialist Party.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

I can only repeat the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State on 7th February. No decision has yet been taken on the composition of the British Delegation to the Council of Europe. The Permanent Commission of the Brussels Treaty have not yet completed their examination of detailed plans. When they have done so a Governmental Conference will have to be convened at which it is hoped that other European countries besides the Brussels Treaty Powers will assist in the framing of a constitution for the Council of Europe. Recommendations of this Conference will be referred back to Governments, and His Majesty's Government will only then be in a position to report to the House. The right hon. Gentleman will, I hope, understand that I cannot make a statement now about decisions which can only be taken at a later stage.

Mr. Churchill

Could not the right hon. Gentleman at any rate make it quite clear that his Government have no intention of committing either of the two improprieties mentioned in the last part of my Question, of trying to monopolise representation of this body by members of the Socialist Party or by nominees of His Majesty's present Government?

The Prime Minister

The right hon. Gentleman is only repeating, with certain other words added, the Question which he has already asked, and to which I have already replied.

Mr. Churchill

Which I have already asked and to which the right hon. Gentleman refuses to reply. The right hon. Gentleman will, perhaps, be so kind as to tell us how long he expects this present procedure which he has described, to delay the settlement of this issue?

The Prime Minister

There is no question of delay. I have explained to the right hon. Gentleman the processes now going forward with regard to the formation of the Council of Europe, and I am explaining to him that he is premature in asking for a decision now. The answer will come in due course.

Mr. Churchill

All the other Governments have already taken the particular decision to which I have referred and are not monopolising, through a Government majority, the entire representation upon this body. I was hoping to relieve the right hon. Gentleman and the Government, of which he is the head, of the reproach and stigma which rests upon them of being unable to give an assurance which any decent and honest-minded Government would give.

The Prime Minister

The right hon. Gentleman is again mistaken. As I explained in my reply, it is hoped that other Governments besides those of the Brussels Treaty Powers will be taking part, but they have certainly not yet come to their decision.

Mr. Churchill

I would inform the House that we shall not be able to await this dilatory procedure without a Debate in the House. May I give the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the House notice now, that tomorrow, on the Business, I shall ask him whether the week after he can provide an opportunity for a full day's Debate upon this subject? We do not mean to be kept waiting about, and, besides, we wish to relieve the Government of the shame that rests upon them.

Mr. Wilson Harris

Does the Prime Minister mean to imply that the constitution of all national delegations shall be based on the same principles, and, if not, will he consider the desirability of arranging that the British delegation shall reflect the proportions of parties in this House with some slight bias in favour of Independents?

The Prime Minister

No decision has been come to on this matter, one way or the other.

Mr. Churchill

Is it not possible to come to a decision on the simple question of decent behaviour or impropriety?

The Prime Minister

No question of decent behaviour or impropriety arises in the fact that a Government decision is taken at the proper time and not when the right hon. Gentleman wants it.

Mr. H. D. Hughes

Will my right hon. Friend see that the members of the British Delegation are persons who adopt a constructive attitude towards the reconstruction of Europe, and are not people who are decrying Great Britain's reconstruction?

Sir P. Macdonald

Is not the Prime Minister aware of the fact that other Governments concerned in Europe, who are also partners in this Council, have already decided that it is to be on an all-party basis? Why cannot this Government make up their minds on the same thing?

The Prime Minister

The hon. Gentleman is only repeating in more solicitous language, what the right hon. Gentleman asked.

Mr. Gallacher

If the right hon. Gentleman should decide to make this delegation on an all-party basis, and if I succeed in infiltrating, will he give me his pledge that I shall not be purged before the delegation leaves?