HC Deb 21 February 1951 vol 484 cc1272-3
16. Mr. Eric Fletcher

asked the Secretary of Slate for Foreign Affairs whether he is now able to state the Government's attitude to the proposed protocol for the amendment of the Statute of Europe approved by the Committee of Seven in Paris in December, 1950.

Mr. Ernest Davies

The protocol to which my hon. Friend refers is one of many proposals for the amendment of the Statute of the Council of Europe which are being discussed in Paris this week by a committee of Government officials. All these proposals, which will subsequently have to be considered by the Committee of Ministers, are the subject of confidential discussion between Governments, and I regret that it would not be proper to disclose the attitude of His Majesty's Government to any of them at the present stage.

Mr. Fletcher

May we take it that, in view of the far-reaching nature of some of these proposals, no decision will be taken by the Government until the House has been consulted?

Mr. Davies

I cannot give that undertaking. This matter will go before the Committee of Ministers. The views of the House are known, to a large extent, on the whole question of the Council of Europe, as a result of the debate which we had some weeks ago.

Mr. Edelman

Will my hon. Friend resist with all the means in his power this ingenious attempt at back door pressure?

Mr. Davies

To the extent that the proposal touches on the whole concept of the Council of Europe and suggests changing the Consultative Assembly from a consultative to a legislative body, the Government are opposed to it.