§ Q17. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Prime Minister whether, when selecting Members of Parliament for membership of the United Kingdom delegation to the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe and other similar delegations, he will give consideration to the desire of those Members of Parliament with 20 or more years' service in the House of Commons who continually apply for inclusion 91W in these delegations but are consistently refused; and if he will adopt a ballot procedure for appointments to these delegation.
§ The Prime MinisterAs I have previously assured my hon. Friend, due consideration is given to all relevant factors in selecting Parliamentary representatives. The Answer to the second part of the Question is "No, Sir".
§ Q18. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Prime Minister whether he will make a further statement on the United Kingdom delegation to the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe, giving details of the dates when these delegates entered Parliament, the number of such previous delegations upon which they have served and the dates, and any other overseas visit in which these delegates have participated on which public money has been spent.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, because the information requested by my hon. Friend could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.