§ Q6. Mr. Martenasked the Prime Minister if he will review with Prime Ministers of the Commonwealth the terms of membership of the Commonwealth.
§ The Prime MinisterThere are no prescribed terms of membership of the Commonwealth, Sir.
§ Mr. MartenWould my right hon. Friend not agree that one important aspect of this is that the Commonwealth is a voluntary association of independent countries which were once part of the Empire? Would he discuss with his colleagues at the Prime Ministers' Conference the situation that would arise if any one of these countries ceased to become independent either by take-over by a non-Commonwealth country or a merger? Would it then cease to be a member of the Commonwealth?
§ The Prime MinisterThe Commonwealth has always worked on the basis that it has to deal with a situation as it arises. This has certainly applied to countries wishing to become members of the Commonwealth. I would not like to answer such a hypothetical question. One would have to deal with any situation at the time it arose.
§ Mr. E. L. MallalieuWould the right hon. Gentleman not agree that the only really important essence of the Commonwealth concept is consultation in a comparatively relaxed atmosphere? Does he think that there is any need for further terms of membership?
The Prime MinsterI am not advocating that there should be prescribed terms of membership. As to consultation and relaxation, I shall do my best to encourage that at Singapore.