§ 61. Mr. G. Campbellasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether ex-President Nkrumah is still a member of the Commonwealth Mission on Vietnam; and whether there has been a replacement on the Mission for the ex-Prime Minister of Nigeria.
§ Mr. PadleyThe members of the Mission were originally appointed ex officio. But, as my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary explained to the hon. Member in his Answer of 13th June, any variation in the membership of the Mission is a matter for the Commonwealth Prime Ministers to decide collectively.
§ Mr. CampbellIs the Prime Minister of Trinidad still a member of this Mission? If he is not, it leaves only the Prime Minister of Britain as the sole survivor.
§ Mr. PadleyAs I said in my original reply, the members of the Committee were appointed ex officio.
§ Mr. Eldon GriffithsCan the hon. Gentleman explain what he means by ex officio in this case? A large number of those originally appointed are no longer alive, or no longer in office. Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the Mission still exists?
§ Mr. PadleyAs the House will realise, it is a tragic matter that one of its members is not still alive, but why hon. Gentlemen opposite should seek to poke fun at a joint exercise of the British Commonwealth to restore peace in Vietnam I do not know.
§ Mr. CampbellIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply to a Question seeking information, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter at the earliest possible opportunity.