§ 17. Mr. Tilneyasked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he will make a statement on the programme for Commonwealth Weeks in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. AlportThe Commonwealth Exhibition will open in Liverpool on 19th November. It will be the focal point of Commonwealth Weeks to be held in a number of major cities during the next eighteen months. I am glad to say that Her Royal Highness the Princess Margaret has graciously consented to inaugurate the Weeks in Liverpool. The Weeks immediately following will be held in Leeds, in January, Birmingham, in February, and Norwich, in March.
We hope that the exhibition, together with the associated displays, film shows, lectures and other activities, will enable the public to form a picture of the modern Commonwealth as a whole. It will also, I hope, show the public how effectively the Commonwealth cooperates in many fields, including trade, culture and education.
Commonwealth Governments have made substantial contributions to the programme, for which we are most grateful.
§ Mr. TilneyI welcome the news that Her Royal Highness will open this exhibition, being sure that she will receive a great welcome in Liverpool, but will my hon. Friend ensure that in future planning local branches of the Royal Commonwealth Society, the Victoria League and the Overseas League will be consulted?
§ Mr. AlportMy hon. Friend's supplementary question deals with the representations made on behalf of some societies for the display of their leaflets at the exhibition. The exhibition is not very large, since it is a mobile one, but we are taking every step to associate all those societies with the work of the Weeks. Indeed, we have invited all those societies not only to give their active support but to make any contribution they can to making these Weeks a success.