HC Deb 06 March 1961 vol 636 c36
45. Mr. F. Noel-Baker

asked the Prime Minister what communication has been received from the President of Cyprus regarding membership of the Commonwealth; what reply has been made; and whether he will invite the President to attend the next meeting of Commonwealth Prime Ministers.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. R. A. Butler)

I have been asked to reply.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall) on 2nd March by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations.

Mr. Noel-Baker

That does not carry us very much further. Is it the intention to invite the President of Cyprus to the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference which is now taking place? Is he not anxious to use this opportunity to pay tribute to the generous realism and fair-minded statesmanship of that important Commonwealth leader?

Mr. Butler

I am quite ready to accept the latter part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary. The question of the President's attendance will depend upon decisions reached by the Commonwealth Prime Ministers when the application from Cyprus is considered.