§ Q7. Mr. Brockwayasked the Prime Minister if he now proposes to seek to convene a conference of Prime Ministers of Commonwealth Governments in 1964.
§ Q4. Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Prime Minister what consultations he is now having regarding the holding of a Commonwealth Prime Ministers' conference in 1964.
§ The Prime MinisterNo plans have yet been made for the next meeting, the timing of which will, of course, be a matter for joint decision by the Prime Ministers of the Commonwealth.
§ Mr. BrockwayWill the Prime Minister consider an early decision on this matter and call a conference this year, in view of the tensions which there are in the Commonwealth and to which his Government have very largely contributed? Will he consider whether it is not desirable to have a Conference of Commonwealth Prime Ministers on such subjects as Southern Rhodesia, Cyprus—[Hon. Members: "And Zanzibar."]—yes, and on Zanzibar—on all these issues which are disturbing to the continuation of the best feeling in the Commonwealth.
§ The Prime MinisterI will certainly consider with the other Prime Ministers the case for a Commonwealth Prime Ministers' conference this year. It is a matter on which all Commonwealth Prime Ministers wish to express an opinion. However, I cannot accept the hon. Gentleman's implication that our country is responsible for a number of the situations which now exist.
§ Mr. BottomleyHave Her Majesty's Government made approaches to other Commonwealth Governments with a view to convening a Commonwealth Prime Ministers' conference at an early date?
§ The Prime MinisterI am considering whether I shall take an initiative myself in this matter.