HC Deb 16 October 1952 vol 505 cc383-4
45. Mr. de Freitas

asked the Prime Minister whether the statement made on 28th November last by the Secretary of State for the Home Department, speaking on behalf of Her Majesty's Government to the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe, to the effect that the Government would do everything possible to see that the affairs of the Council of Europe were debated in this House, still represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Winston Churchill)

Yes, Sir. Two White Papers are being prepared on the Council of Europe; one will give an account of the progress made on the United Kingdom's proposals and the other will contain a report on this year's session of the Consultative Assembly. If, when the House has considered these White Papers, there is a demand for a debate, this can be discussed through the usual channels.

Mr. de Freitas

Does not the Prime Minister think, in view of the complete change in the Conservative Party's policy at Strasbourg since his party became the Government, that it is really most regrettable that the Government have not fulfilled this undertaking of the Home Secretary and provided the House with time to debate the matter during the past year?

The Prime Minister

I would certainly agree that there are a great many subjects which have been regretted, but I do not feel that this one is outstandingly regrettable.

Mr. Ernest Davies

Will the Prime Minister arrange that during that debate one of the spokesmen for the Government will be the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, so that he can put forward the new change of Government policy in regard to the co-ordination and integration of transport in Europe, which he supported at Strasbourg?

The Prime Minister

We have not yet fixed the day and the occasion for the debate. I am sure that it would be premature to arrange the speakers so far ahead