HC Deb 03 May 1960 vol 622 cc880-1
40. Mr. Fletcher

asked the Prime Minister whether he will discuss with the Commonwealth Prime Ministers during their conference the most appropriate way of celebrating Commonwealth Day, 24th May, throughout the Commonwealth and in dependent territories, having special regard to the necessity of stressing the inter-racial nature of the Commonwealth.

Mr. Amory

I have been asked to reply.

Commonwealth Day is not observed officially in any member country of the Commonwealth other than the United Kingdom, and my right hon. Friend, therefore, sees no advantage in discussing this matter during the Prime Minister's Meeting.

Mr. Fletcher

As we have the advantage of the Chancellor of the Exchequer answering a Question for the Prime Minister, will he be good enough to say whether he does not agree that, in addition to the paramount moral importance of stressing the inter-racial nature of the Commonwealth, there are considerable economic advantages in doing so?

Mr. Amory

I think that my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister expressed his views on the first point the hon. Gentleman has raised in reply to the hon. Gentleman on 26th April, and I have nothing to add to what he said.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Would not a good way to commemorate Commonwealth Day be to release all Commonwealth citizens now in gaol?

Mr. Amory

That is a rather wider question.

Mr. H. Wilson

Will the Chancellor, in either of his present capacities, answer my hon. Friend's main supplementary question about the economic effects of the present situation in the Commonwealth? Will he tell us whether there is to be a full discussion of the economic relationships within the Commonwealth at the present Conference?

Mr. Amory

The discussions are confidential. It is for the Conference itself to decide what subjects will be discussed.