§ 33. Mr. Sorensenasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what representations have been made and what consultations have taken place between Her Majesty's Government and other Commonwealth Governments with the intention of determining the most appropriate and acceptable means of accepting new members of the Commonwealth.
§ Mr. J. FosterNone, Sir.
§ Mr. SorensenDoes the hon. Gentleman not agree that this is a matter of some importance and should not be just laughed off? Membership of the Commonwealth of Nations is a very onerous and honourable position, and it should not depend merely on this country determining it but on the whole membership of the Commonwealth. Will he give a serious and constructive reply to this Question?
§ Mr. FosterI quite agree with what the hon. Member has said about the importance of Commonwealth membership, and when the matter arises other Commonwealth members will be consulted, as was stated by the Prime Minister on 16th June, 1952.
§ Mr. SorensenHas not that already arisen in view of the possibility of two black Dominions ultimately coming into being and becoming members of the Commonwealth?
§ Mr. FosterNo, Sir. It has not arisen.
§ Mr. J. JohnsonWill the hon. Member give an assurance that he himself and the Government will not be party to any settlement in which we have a two-tier system inside the Commonwealth, and that future black Dominions will be on an equal status with the present white Dominions in the Commonwealth?
§ Mr. FosterI cannot go beyond the statement of my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. Gordon WalkerAs new problems of this kind may arise, and as it is obvious that they cannot be settled in a rush, when they do arise would it not be wise to have some preliminary consultations with the other Commonwealth Governments on the principles involved in this matter?
§ Mr. FosterI will put the right hon. Gentleman's suggestion to my right hon. and noble Friend.
§ Mr. SorensenCannot the hon. Gentleman put my suggestion to him, too?