§ 39. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what communications he has had from the other members of the Commonwealth indicating a desire on their part for an early Commonwealth conference for the purpose of discussing, defining, and resolving the various differences of opinion between them, inter se, and between them and Britain relating to Suez and other Middle Eastern affairs; and what steps he has taken or proposes to take to summon such a Commonwealth conference.
§ Mr. AlportThe hon. Member will be aware that it would not be proper to reveal particulars of communications with other Commonwealth Governments. As regards the last part of the Question, Her Majesty's Government are always most ready to arrange a conference with other members of the Commonwealth if there is a general desire for this to take place. No such conference is, however, envisaged in the near future.
§ Mr. HughesDoes not the hon. Gentleman realise that such a conference is urgent and essential in the interests of Commonwealth solidarity, which was so badly shaken by the previous Government and not restored by the present Government?
§ Mr. AlportI cannot accept the views of the hon. and learned Gentleman; nor do I think that they are the views of the other Governments of the Commonwealth, either.