HC Deb 27 July 1950 vol 478 cc656-7
1. Mr. Stanley Prescott

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations by what criterion His Majesty's Government is guided in determining whether to consult Governments in the Dominions prior to important decisions being arrived at by His Majesty's Government, or merely to inform Governments in the Dominions subsequent to a decision having been taken.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

It is the invariable practice of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to ensure that other members of the Commonwealth are informed in advance on any matter which falls to be decided by this Government, but which may affect Commonwealth interests. The object is to enable the other Governments to express any views which they may wish to put forward; and I need hardly add to enable His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom to take fully into account such views as their Commonwealth partners may express.

Mr. Prescott

Is the Prime Minister satisfied that the Dominions are fully consulted before important decisions are taken, apart from their being informed of those decisions which are arrived at in this country?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir. The object of giving information is so that comments may be passed from one Government to another. That is the object of that notification; therefore, there is time for consultation except occasionally in some extreme incident, when one Government may have to act very quickly.

Major Legge-Bourke

Would the Prime Minister say whether this criterion was accepted by the Government before or after the recognition of Communist China?

Mr. Turton

Can the Prime Minister say whether the criterion is the same for foreign affairs and Defence as for other matters?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir, in all these matters we endeavour to have the fullest possible consultation.

45. Mr. Prescott

asked the Prime Minister what representations he has received within the last six months from Dominion Prime Ministers personally, or from Dominion Governments, with regard to the desirability of consultation between His Majesty's Government and Dominion Governments before important decisions are arrived at by the former affecting the Empire and Commonwealth as a whole.

The Prime Minister

None, Sir.