Uncertain About P.M.s’ Conference

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31089, 18 June 1966, Page 15

Uncertain About P.M.s’ Conference

(N .Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) LONDON, June 17. Mr Wilson told Parliament yesterday that he could not say where or when the next Commonwealth Prime Ministers’ conference would take place, but it would probably be in the next two or three months. Mr Jeremy Thorpe, a Liberal, said it would be helpful for a conference to take place before any irrevocable deci-

sion was taken on Rhodesia's future.

Mr Wilson replied that the question of Rhodesia was central in all Commonwealth discussions at the present time. Mr Wilson said that for the first time a full Commonwealth Prime Ministers’ conference was held this year outside Britain—at Lagos. It would be a good idea if the conference could be held outside Britain at frequent intervals, he said. A Labour member, Mr Terence Boston, asked what representations had been made to the Government that the conference should take place outside Britain. Mr Wilson replied: "Various suggestions have been made, but Commonwealth Prime Ministers decide the time and place of their meetings collectively, and consultations are still going on."