§ 43. Mr. Stewardasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will consult the Postmaster-General and representatives of members of the Commonwealth on the advisability of broadcasting a Commonwealth programme at regular intervals in order that its achievements and objects may be more widely known throughout the world.
§ Mr. FosterWhile I sympathise with the purpose my hon. Friend has in mind, he will realise that, while there are many bonds within the Commonwealth and its members share in many respects a common outlook, the members are independent countries, each with its own aims and policies.
I have no reason to suppose that there would be general acceptance among them of the idea of setting up an organisation for the continual broadcasting of joint statements on their behalf. It is through the combined effect of the individual Commonwealth services that the voice of the Commonwealth can most naturally and effectively be heard by the rest of the world.