§ 40. Mr. Shinwellasked the Prime Minister whether he will publish the correspondence between himself and 197 other Commonwealth Prime Ministers on the calling of a Prime Ministers' conference on the Common Market.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)No, Sir. Any communications of this nature would be confidential.
§ Mr. ShinwellIn a matter which so vitally concerns the future of this country, is it desirable that an important discussion of this kind should be concealed from the House? Is there anything to hide? Is it possible that in the discussions which have taken place with the Commonwealth Prime Ministers the right hon. Gentleman has declared his intention in principle of accepting the Common Market?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. The reason is very simple. For many years, we have been in the habit of having communications between Prime Minister and Prime Minister within the Commonwealth. It has always been understood that they would not be published. If they were to be published, of course, they would lose some of their value and, perhaps, sometimes would be written in somewhat different terms.
In this particular case, I have applied the rule only because it is a good thing to keep the rule. There is a general understanding of and welcome for the plan which I have put forward, which was that certain Ministers should visit the different Commonwealth countries.
§ Mr. ShinwellAs there is considerable confusion and ambiguity about the Government's intentions with regard to the Common Market, is it not desirable that we should have made available to hon. Members all possible information, including the views of Commonwealth Prime Ministers?
§ The Prime MinisterThese communications were simply confined to what was the most convenient way of making our consultations. It has, I think, been generally welcomed now by all the Commonwealth countries that the way I propose is the most convenient in the circumstances.
§ Mr. S. SilvermanCan the Prime Minister assure the House that what he told us a fortnight ago is still true, namely, that no decision has been taken by the Government even to enter into 198 negotiations, let alone as to what would happen after negotiations had taken place?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. If there were any change, these journeys of my right hon. Friends would be useless. We are going to consult with the Commonwealth as to the whole position before reaching a decision.