COMMONWEALTH PRIME MINISTERS (MEETING) (Hansard, 10 March 1964)

§ Q5. Mr. Bottomley
asked the Prime Minister if he will now make a statement on a meeting of Commonwealth Prime Ministers.

§ The Prime Minister
I have nothing to add to what I told the House on 21st January.

§ Mr. Bottomley
In view of the fact that there has not been a meeting of Commonwealth Prime Ministers since the very unsatisfactory meeting in September, 1962, does not the Prime Minister think that it is time that they had another meeting? Is not he aware that there are problems of trade and defence, besides the problems of Malaysia, East Africa, Southern Rhodesia and Cyprus? These are all very important matters. They are Commonwealth matters, and ought to be considered by Commonwealth Prime Ministers.

§ The Prime Minister
The right hon. Gentleman knows that all the Commonwealth Prime Ministers have to agree before we can settle a time for a Prime Ministers' meeting, but if the right hon. Gentleman would like me to do so, I will keep in touch with him on the matter.

§ Mr. Bottomley
May I assume from that reply that consultations are taking place, and that in due course there will be a meeting of Commonwealth Prime Ministers?

§ The Prime Minister
That is the right hon. Gentleman's conclusion, but when I have anything to report I shall do so directly to the House.