§ 6. Mr. Braineasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs if he has yet fixed a date for a conference between Great Britain, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand on Commonwealth defence arrangements in South-East Asia.
§ Mr. George ThomsonI have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to a similar question from the hon. Member for Harrow, East (Mr. Roebuck) on 31st January.
§ Mr. BraineCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any truth in the story that talks are to start in May on the initiative of Malaysia? Why has it been left to Malaysia to make this initiative? In view of the fact that this country has changed its policy since last July, does not the initiative rest with us? Why are Her Majesty's Government not making the initiative?
§ Mr. ThomsonThe reason why the initiative—the main initiative—rests with Malaysia is that the Tunku has taken the leading part in proposing this kind of talks for many months now, both before and after my visit to the Far East. I think that is perfectly proper as it is a country mainly concerned with the consequences of our accelerated withdrawal. No date has been fixed for the talks.