§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will consider raising with the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, and the member states, the possibility of an invitation to join the Commonwealth being extended to the Irish Republic, on the same basis enjoyed by other members of the Commonwealth that are republics.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydNo. We do not intend to approach the Commonwealth Secretary-General or other Commonwealth members of this matter; it is for the' Irish Republic to apply if it wishes.