EARL ST. ALDWYNMy Lords, my noble friend Lord Carrington will be making a Statement on Northern Ireland at a convenient moment after 3.30 p.m. This will be followed by a statement on Rhodesia, to be made by the noble Marquess, Lord Lothian.
496 My Lords, my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs is answering a Private Notice Question in another place on Pakistan. It has been agreed through the usual channels that it would be for the convenience of the House if this Answer were not repeated here but were circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT, which, with the leave of the House, I will arrange to do.
The Answer referred to was as follows:
"I have read the statement issued by the Pakistan Government on January 30 that they have ended Pakistan's Commonwealth membership. The statement suggests that the reason for this action is the decision of Australia and New Zealand to announce recognition to-day and the intention of the United Kingdom to recognise Bangladesh shortly. I greatly regret this decision. It was of course for Pakistan to take for itself. Commonwealth membership is not a matter between Britain and individual members.
"I told the House on January 18 that I would make a Statement soon on the recognition of Bangladesh. I believe that our criteria for recognition are fulfilled so as to enable us to recognise Bangladesh in the very near future. This decision is in no way hostile to Pakistan, but we have to face the facts. The need now is to reconcile the parties and to try to bring about harmonious relations in the subcontinent."