COUNCIL OF EUROPE (DELEGATES) (Hansard, 13 March 1950)

§ 49. Mr. Boothby
asked the Prime Minister when it is intended to appoint the British delegates to the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe.

§ The Prime Minister
I hope to be able to make an early announcement on this subject.

§ Mr. Boothby
Will the Prime Minister bear in mind that there are a number of committees of the Consultative Assembly now sitting, and that it is a matter of great urgency that the British representatives should be able to attend?

§ The Prime Minister
Yes, Sir, and that is why I hope that the reply will be given as soon as possible. We have the matter of urgency in mind.

§ Sir H. Williams
Will the Prime Minister delay making any appointment until we have determined their status and made sure they have the legislative authority?

§ The Prime Minister
No, Sir. If the hon. Gentleman had been present in the last Parliament he would, I think, have understood that quite well.

§ Sir H. Williams
In view of the Minister's answer—

§ Mr. Mellish
On a point of Order. Is it in order for an hon. Member to jump up and ask a supplementary question without having been called by you, Mr. Speaker?

§ Mr. Speaker
I suppose the hon. Gentleman got in before I was able to call him. I do warn hon. Members, however, that I prefer to call them rather than to be jumped like that. Sir Herbert Williams.

§ Sir H. Williams
In view of the Prime Minister's answer, may I ask him why, in these circumstances, his colleague is introducing a special Bill on Friday? Apparently circumstances have changed since the last Parliament.

§ Mr. Emrys Roberts
On this occasion, will the Prime Minister allow the Liberal Party to choose their own representative instead of the Government choosing a representative for them?

§ The Prime Minister
I understand that the whole matter is under consideration through the usual channels.

§ Mr. Harold Macmillan
Will the right hon. Gentleman make as early a statement as possible to those Members who believe themselves still to be representatives in the Consultative Assembly, because we have been summoned to sit upon a committee in a very few days' time, and we do not yet know whether or not we are still members of that committee? Owing to the very great time it takes to arrange these movements it would be of great convenience if this could be expedited.

§ The Prime Minister
Yes, Sir, I quite agree. That is exactly why we want to make as early a statement as possible.

§ Mr. Macmillan
Within three days?