HC Deb 23 October 1952 vol 505 cc1266-7
48. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to consider the subject of defence at the forthcoming Commonwealth conference.

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. The Commonwealth Economic Conference will be concerned with matters of financial, commercial and economic policy.

Mr. Shinwell

In view of what the right hon. Gentleman has said about the nature of the proposed conference, may I ask if it is contemplated that he will have a conference with the Commonwealth countries on the subject of defence in order to stimulate them to make rather more adequate contributions to Commonwealth defence?

The Prime Minister

This particular conference deals with matters of finance, commerce, and economic policy. It does not, of course, follow that informal conversations between Dominion Ministers and United Kingdom Ministers may not take place on other topics from time to time.

Mr. Shinwell

Yes, but this is a very important matter, this question of Commonwealth defence. Will the right hon. Gentleman not take steps, in those "off the cuff" conversations, to stimulate those colleagues from the Commonwealth countries to make a larger contribution to Commonwealth defence?

The Prime Minister

If the right hon. Gentleman would assist me, perhaps I may be furnished with the series of speeches he has made on the subject, which I could certainly place at their disposal.

Mr. Shinwell

Is the Prime Minister not singularly ill-informed on this subject? Is he not aware that about 18 months ago a Commonwealth Defence Conference was held in London, and that reports of that Conference are available to the Prime Minister and the Government?

Mr. S. Silverman

Would the right hon. Gentleman explain to the House how the Commonwealth, in the present world situation, could possibly discuss economics and finance unless the problem of defence were also included?

The Prime Minister

For a long time the conditions in which this conference will take place have been announced to Parliament. It is not proposed to make any departure from them at the present time.