§ Q5. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Prime Minister, in view of the concern in the Republic of Ireland about proposals to limit immigration of Irish people to the United Kingdom, if he will consider inviting the Prime Minister of Ireland to come to the United Kingdom to discuss the question.
§ The Prime MinisterI see no reason to expect that consultation through normal diplomatic channels will not meet the case.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Prime Minister realise that there is in Ireland great interest in the Commonwealth Immigrants Bill? If he is going out of his way to meet President de Gaulle and Dr. Adenauer, ought not the Prime Minister to extend the same sort of treatment to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that this is being dealt with satisfactorily by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.
§ Mr. GaitskellSince the Home Secretary informed the House that he had only obtained from the newspapers an account of the Irish Government's intentions in this matter, could the Prime Minister tell us what has, in fact, been the nature of these diplomatic exchanges? Have there been discussions through diplomatic channels, and to what end?
§ The Prime MinisterWe have, of course, been having discussions through diplomatic channels on the general problem. I think that any specific Question should be put to my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. TurtonIs my right hon. Friend aware that many hon. Members are concerned about the indeterminate nature of the proposal to control immigration from the Republic of Ireland?
§ The Prime MinisterThis is really a matter for debate on the Bill, not for questions as to whether I should meet the Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland.
§ Mr. GrimondThe Home Secretary told us that he understood that arrangements were being made with the Government of the Republic of Ireland to control immigration at the ports within Ireland. Is not the Prime Minister in a position either to confirm or deny this statement of the Home Secretary's?
§ The Prime MinisterIf the Home Secretary said so, it obviously was true.
§ Mr. GaitskellIs the Prime Minister aware that the Home Secretary said, not that he was certain that this was the case, but that he had read it in the newspapers? Is the Prime Minister telling us that we should believe everything we read in the newspapers? Further, is it the business of the Home Secretary to negotiate with Ireland on this matter? Is it not a matter for either the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations or the Foreign Secretary?
§ The Prime MinisterI suggest, therefore, that it should be put either to the Foreign Secretary or the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations.
§ Mr. Gaitskell rose—
§ Mr. SpeakerI have an idea that there will be other opportunities to discuss these matters. I think that we had better get on.