HC Deb 17 July 1956 vol 556 cc1038-9
49. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Prime Minister whether he will present a White Paper, or make a further statement, respecting the recently concluded Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference, particularly with reference to the composition of the Commonwealth and the plans for future gatherings.

The Prime Minister

I have nothing to add to the agreed statement which was issued at the end of the meeting.

Mr. Sorensen

Does not the Prime Minister agree that the present uncertain position in regard to the composition of the Commonwealth does need clearing up and that large numbers of people, not only here but in the Colonial Territories, which are anticipating the status of self-government, are eagerly looking forward to a clarification of their position?

The Prime Minister

The statement, as always, was a generally agreed statement, and I could not add to it without the agreement of all the Prime Ministers who were present. The hon. Member asked the same question after the last Conference and got exactly the same reply.

Mr. Chetwynd

In view of the allusion of the Prime Minister to cricket over the weekend, can he say whether the satisfactory news from Leeds will make any difference to future Conferences?

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