§ Q6. Mr. Cordleasked the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with Commonwealth Prime Ministers about this year's Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference.
§ The Prime MinisterThere is no convention of annual meetings, Sir. As to the next meeting, I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave on 4th May to a Question by the hon. and learned Member for Antrim, South (Sir Knox Cunningham).—[Vol. 746, c. 112.]
§ Mr. CordleIn view of events in Africa and the Common Market and our somewhat ambiguous east of Suez policy, does the Prime Minister not agree that the conference should be held sooner rather than later?
§ The Prime MinisterI see no pressing need for such a conference. We had quite a fascinating one last September and I do not think there is any hurry to have another at this moment—the words are still ringing in my ears. On the Common Market we are in close touch with all the countries concerned, and on a Ministerial basis with those principally concerned. As for east of Suez, and other defence policies, I have explained the discussions that we are having with leading Commonwealth Prime Ministers.
§ Mr. E. L. MallalieuWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind the desirability and feasibility, when the next conference takes place, of the Commonwealth taking a lead towards the establishment of a real system of peace-keeping in the world?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, I would very much like to see a greater contribution by some Commonwealth countries, some of the newer Commonwealth countries, particularly in the matter of responsibility for peace-keeping. When I suggested at the beginning of the last conference that the length of speeches should he in proportion to what each country was doing to help Zambia, I had in mind one of my colleagues whose speeches might have been a bit shorter. He is no longer a Prime Minister.