HC Deb 20 October 1953 vol 518 cc1802-4
45. Mr. Wyatt

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a further statement on the relationship between the United Kingdom and the Australia, New Zealand and United States Defence Pact.

52. Mr. Hale

asked the Prime Minister whether arrangements have now been made for full British participation in the Australia, New Zealand and United States Treaty Organisation.

The Prime Minister (Sir Winston Churchill)

The A.N.Z.U.S. Council held their second annual meeting at Washington on 9th and 10th September, and we have been fully informed of the discussions. The Council then decided not to extend their membership.

Mr. Wyatt

May I first of all ask the Prime Minister whether he is aware that all of us, even those who disagree with him most, are very glad to see him back here in full health and that the House of Commons is a duller place without him? [HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."]

Now may I ask him whether his answer means that he has abandoned any hope of having Britain included in the Anzus Defence Pact and whether, when Mr. Casey said that the right hon. Gentleman was fully satisfied with the position, that is true?

The Prime Minister

I have nothing to add to what I have previously said on this subject. I regret the decision, but my reasons have already been given to the House.

Mr. Hale

Surely the Prime Minister will now at least add some apology, or make some public penance, to my right hon. Friends for the denunciations he made a year or two ago when they took up precisely the same attitude, and——

Hon. Members

Question?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member must not make a speech.

Mr. Hale

I am very sorry, Mr. Speaker, but the House was so disorderly that I do not know what you have just said.

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member seemed to be making a speech rather than asking a supplementary question. A question should be interrogative in form.

Mr. Hale

On a point of order. My opening words were, "Surely the right hon. Gentleman will now—." According to my education, I have always regarded that as the interrogative form. For those who do not agree, I will put it more interrogatively still. Is the Prime Minister now prepared to make some apology for the denunciations to which I have referred, and which were apparently in those days the product of simulated indignation?

The Prime Minister

I certainly did not come here to make an apology, and least of all to the hon. Gentleman.