HC Deb 10 July 1958 vol 591 cc579-81
46. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Prime Minister whether he will raise at the next meeting of Commonwealth Prime Ministers the question of freedom of travel within the Commonwealth for British subjects; and whether he will raise with the Prime Minister of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland the recent banning by the Federal Government of Commander T. Fox-Pitt, O.B.E., R.N., a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies, formerly a Provincial Commissioner in Northern Rhodesia.

The Prime Minister

I cannot give any information about particular subjects which might or might not be raised at future Prime Ministers' Meetings.

Mr. Stonehouse

With reference to the banning by the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, is the Prime Minister aware that there has been a whole series of banning of individuals, some of whom have made public the information, but many are known to have chosen not to make known the information because of the smear involved?

In the case of Commander Fox-Pitt, is the Prime Minister aware that the only objection which the Federation has against that individual is the fact that, after years of distinguished colonial service in Northern Rhodesia, he happens to take a different view from the official line in the Federation? In view of that, will the Prime Minister—

Mr. Speaker

I do not think that is a matter for the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister

I thought this Question asked if I would raise this matter at the next meeting of Commonwealth Prime Ministers. I hope I did no discourtesy to the hon. Member when I indicated my view that it was never the practice to give notice beforehand of particular subjects which might or might not be raised at the Conference, should it take place in the next year or two.

Mr. Stonehouse

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In order to clarify the position, may I make it clear that the Question on the Order Paper particularly asks the Prime Minister whether he will take the matter up with the Prime Minister of the Federation of Rhodesia?

The Prime Minister

I am afraid I read the second part of the Question as being connected with the first part. Perhaps I made a mistake.

Mr. Creech Jones

In view of the very difficult constitutional problems involved, would the Prime Minister consult the Secretary of State for the Colonies as well as some of the Prime Ministers, because there is increasing anxiety about restrictions which are being imposed on the free movement of quite worthy and responsible British subjects about the British Commonwealth? That is a matter which is causing great anxiety, and I would ask him to give it serious thought.

The Prime Minister

Of course, this question and questions of migration from one part of the Commonwealth to another are difficult problems, and we know their complexities, but I repeat that I do not think it would be suitable to raise them in a general meeting of Prime Ministers, and certainly not to say that I was going to do so. I think that because of their complexity they are perhaps not suitable for Question and Answer, and certainly not for supplementaries without much thought. I am grateful to the right hon. Member for the way in which he has made his proposal, and I shall certainly consider what he has said.

Mr. S. Silverman

Does not the Prime Minister think it a great pity that a gallant officer with a surname like this should not be able to travel freely in the British Commonwealth of Nations?

The Prime Minister

I recognise the hon. Member's care of the long political traditions of the country and support of the Armed Forces.