HC Deb 21 February 1963 vol 672 c613
11. Mr. Longden

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will now offer an indissoluble union to New Zealand on the Northern Ireland model.

Mr. Tilney

No, Sir.

Mr. Longden

Is my hon. Friend aware that I tabled this and the next Question to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister because I believed that they were worthy of consideration by the Head of the Government? Would he agree that, as we were once able to offer an "indissoluble union" to France, it would be even more appropriate now that science is annihilating distance to offer one to our kinsmen and fellow subjects in New Zealand?

Mr. Tilney

As regards the first part of the supplementary question, "Yes" As regards the second part, I am glad of the opportunity to express the British Government's warm affection for New Zealand, but it would out of the question for us to take any such initiative without a request from New Zealand.