HC Deb 03 March 1970 vol 797 cc257-8
Ql. Mr. Marten

asked the Prime Minister what plans he now has for future meetings with Heads of Commonwealth Governments.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)

The Commonwealth Secretary-General announced last Saturday that the next Meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government would be held in Singapore in January, 1971.

Mr. Marten

While greatly welcoming the news and also wishing the conference every success, may I ask the Prime Minister to emphasise at that meeting that Britain would deplore any steps which would weaken the threads which bind the Commonwealth together, particularly in our negotiations to get into the Common Market and also in our defence responsibilities with the Commonwealth?

The Prime Minister

I have no doubt that the Common Market will be fully discussed, as indeed has happened on past occasions.

Concerning defence policies, there has been a productive Commonwealth conference since the Government's decision on east of Suez, and I cannot recall very much in the way of any Commonwealth view against the Government's policy.

Mr. Shinwell

Surely my right hon. Friend will agree that, so far as our information enables us to judge, some of the Commonwealth countries are bound to be at a disadvantage if we decide to enter the Common Market. Will my right hon. Friend let us have another White Paper on that subject?

The Prime Minister

My right hon. Friend will recall that these matters were raised and dealt with in the debate on the Common Market last week. He will also be aware of what we have said about vital Commonwealth interests in the White Paper governing the basis on which we shall approach these negotiations.

My right hon. Friend will further be aware that some Commonwealth countries in both East and West Africa have been making their own association with the Common Market in terms which have meant reverse preferences for Britain.

Mr. Gwynfor Evans

Will the Prime Minister seriously consider extending an invitation to representatives of Wales and Scotland to attend the next Commonwealth Conference in readiness for the day when those nations will be among the free and equal nations of the Commonwealth?

The Prime Minister

The Government of the United Kingdom will provide better representation for Wales and Scotland than the hon. Gentleman and his party.