HC Deb 05 May 1949 vol 464 cc1219-20
Mr. Eden

I should like to ask the Lord President a further Question. It may be for the convenience of the House to know whether copies of the Statute of the Council of Europe will be made available to Members, and whether the right hon. Gentleman has any statement to make about the composition of the British representation to the Consultative Assembly?

Mr. H. Morrison

The Statute of the Council of Europe will be signed this afternoon and arrangements are being made for copies of the Statute to be available in the Library tomorrow. Thereafter a White Paper will be issued. The British representation to the Consultative Assembly will include Members of His Majesty's Opposition. Most of the representatives will be Members of this House, but Members of another place may also be included. Only persons who are Members of one or other House of Parliament will be nominated. We do not propose to include in the Delegation representatives associated with organisations which are anti-democratic or opposed to the objects of Western Union.

Mr. Eden

Just one point of elucidation, which concerns exclusively His Majesty's Opposition. Do I understand that the representation of His Majesty's Opposition to which the right hon. Gentleman refers will be left to the choice of His Majesty's Opposition.

Mr. Morrison

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Lipson

Will the Leader of the House clarify the expression "His Majesty's Opposition" in this connection? Will independent Members be included?

Mr. Morrison

Naturally my instinctively tolerant and catholic taste would be to include everybody, but I am afraid I must say that "His Majesty's Opposition" is the official Opposition with which I am faced this afternoon.

Mr. Gallacher

In view of the fact that the delegation to the Consultative Assembly will consist of His Majesty's Government and official Opposition, who will be in general agreement regarding the Council of Europe and the general work that is to be carried on, is the right hon. Gentleman making any arrangements for opposition to be associated with the deputation?

Mr. Morrison

I have said that His Majesty's Opposition will be associated with the delegation, but obviously I am in no position to answer for the views of the Opposition which are of course their business and for them to determine.

Mr. Emrys Roberts

As the European Assembly is to represent the whole rich and varied life of Europe, will the Government ensure that in the British delegation there are included representatives of the life of Wales and of Scotland?

Mr. Morrison

We shall keep that point in mind. I will only say to the House that if there are any points of detail about the composition of the delegation probably it would be best to discuss them through the usual channels.

Mr. Scollan

Now that the principle has been enunciated of including in the delegation to the Council of Europe members of the official Opposition as well as of the Government, could my right hon. Friend say whether that principle has been accepted by all the nations represented there? Are they doing likewise?

Mr. Morrison

I am sorry that I do not know. I am the Leader of the British House of Commons and not of Parliaments of other countries. It is, of course, for each Government in each country, answerable to its own parliament, to take its own course.