HC Deb 21 February 1963 vol 672 cc613-4
12. Mr. Longden

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will seek the concurrence of the other countries of the Commonwealth in an invitation to the kingdoms of Norway and Denmark and to the Republic of Eire to join the Commonwealth of Nations.

Mr. Tilney

No, Sir.

Mr. Longden

Is my hon. Friend aware that among the 15 other sovereign States in the Commonwealth there is already one monarchy which has accepted Her Majesty as Head of the Commonwealth without any derogation from the Royal dignity? Is not this a precedent which is pregnant with possibilities?

Mr. Tilney

I was for some years a member of the Expanding Commonwealth Group on this side of the House. There are many difficulties over this question and it would be a matter not only for this country but for all Commonwealth Governments.