§ Q10. Mr. Shinwellasked the Prime Minister on what basis hon. Members are appointed by the Government to attend the meetings of Western European Union Assembly.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer my right hon. Friend to the Answer I gave to a similar Question by my hon. Friend the Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Arthur Lewis) on 29th June, 1965.—[Vol. 715, c. 68]
§ Mr. ShinwellIs it, not a remarkable coincidence that all those delegates who were sent to the Western European Union Assembly a considerable time back happened to be in support of British entry into the Common Market and so expressed their opinions at the Assembly? Is my right hon. Friend aware that a substantial number of Members on this side and some hon. Members on the other side would like an opportunity of attending the Assembly in order to put a substantial and valid minority view?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is not a fact that all those who have been recommended from this side of the House or from the other side are supporters of entry by Britain into the Common Market. However, I will look into my right hon. Friend's representations. I can understand that if he were to go he might stir things up a bit in Paris; but perhaps, like some other hon. Members, he might go opposed to entry and come back converted by what he hears there.