§ 36. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvineasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what official welcome has been accorded Western Samoa on becoming a member of the Commonwealth.
§ Mr. GodberConsultations about Western Samoa's membership of the Commonwealth were conducted, as is now the practice, by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, through whom we expressed our welcome. It is customary to send a message to a country at the time it achieves independence. This was done in Western Samoa's case on independence in 1962.
§ Mr. Godman IrvineAs Western Samoa has been independent since 1962 and has, after mature reflection, applied to become a member of the Commonwealth, would it not be fitting for us in this House to send its people our warm welcome at this time?
§ Mr. GodberYes. My hon. Friend's Question gives a very happy opportunity for that, and I endorse every word he said about it. I am sure that both sides of the House welcome Western Samoa as a member of the Commonwealth.