HC Deb 18 February 1953 vol 511 cc1240-1
46. Mr. Wyatt

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any further statement to make on the association by Britain with other members of the Australian, New Zealand and United States defence pact for the defence of South-East Asia.

The Prime Minister

Not at the present time.

Mr. Wyatt

Has the right hon. Gentleman made it clear to the United States Government that it is quite intolerable that there should be a defence pact with New Zealand and Australia in Central and South-East Asia from which this country, which is bound to go to war if either of those nations is attacked, is excluded?

The Prime Minister

I do not think I ought to embark upon a complicated discussion of this kind at Question time. The hon. Gentleman will find that a great deal of this matter was settled by the Government of which he was, I believe, a Member.

Mr. Wyatt

Why cannot the right hon. Gentleman give us some information? If we are not to get it at Question time, when can we get it, if we do not have a debate on the subject?

The Prime Minister

A great deal of information is given out in the House of Commons from time to time, and I do not see why any complaint should be made on that subject.

Mr. Speaker

Mr. Sorensen.