§ 14. Mr. Bennasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why he is not prepared to answer Questions put to him asking which way the British delegate has been instructed to vote on major issues at the United Nations; and if he will now alter that practice.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydThe instructions which I send to the United Kingdom Permanent Representative at the United Nations and to all Her Majesty's representatives abroad are, by their nature, confidential. The Answer to the second part of the Question is therefore, No, Sir.
§ Mr. BennCan the right hon. and learned Gentleman help the House in this matter, in that before these votes the matter is hypothetical; just before they are cast it is held to be secret; while they are being cast it is held to be too critical to intervene; and afterwards it is too late? Is he aware that the consequence of this is that the United Nations machinery is becoming something of a mockery in this House which, while it may please some of his hon. Friends, is extremely undesirable?
§ Mr. LloydI cannot understand the hon. Member's point. The responsibility for giving instructions must rest with the Government of the day.