HC Deb 31 January 1957 vol 563 c206W
49. Mr. Hastings

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the fact that Her Majesty's Government have been represented by Ministers or by officials at innumerable international meetings during the past five years, on what principle he decides whether the United Kingdom should or should not be represented at conferences on matters of common interest called and attended by other Governments.

The Prime Minister

The decision whether Her Majesty's Government should be represented at an international conference called by another Government rests with the Minister responsible. The principle governing the decision is whether the matters to be discussed are of sufficient importance to justify the use of public funds in official representation.