HC Deb 16 June 1966 vol 729 cc1656-7
Q8. Mr. Boston

asked the Prime Minister what representations have been made to Her Majesty's Government that the next Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference should take place in a country other than the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister

Various suggestions have been made but Commonwealth Prime Ministers decide the time and place of their meetings collectively and consultations are still going on. The House will, of course, be informed when a decision has been taken.

Mr. Boston

Does my right hon. Friend agree that there may be some benefit in holding some Prime Minister's Conferences in other Commonwealth countries, and can he say whether that is receiving favourable consideration at the moment? Can he give any indication when the next Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference will take place, and where?

The Prime Minister

My hon. Friend will be aware that for the first time this year we held a full Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference outside this country. It is a good thing to do, and I think that we should do it at frequent intervals, but I would not like to see them all transferred out of the country. I am not in a position to say where and when the next Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference will take place. I think that it will he in the next two or three months but I am not sure where.

Mr. Thorpe

Irrespective of where the next Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference takes place, would it not be helpful if it could take place before any irrevocable decision is reached with regard to the future of Rhodesia?

The Prime Minister

The Question is about the place and not about irrevocable decisions. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to widen it to that extent, the question of Rhodesia is central in all Commonwealth discussions at present. Some Prime Ministers would like to see an urgent conference now, and others would prefer to wait until the autumn. In any event, we must let the Secretariat continue its consultations before we can see what is most generally acceptable to my colleagues.