asked the Prime Minister whether the speech delivered by the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, in London, on 13th December, relating to the future of the British Commonwealth of Nations expresses the policy of His Majesty's Government?

asked the Prime Minister whether the recent speech of the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs, concerning the British Empire, represents the policy of the Government?

My right hon. Friend's speech, which was only partially reported in the Press, included a statement of various influences at work within the British Commonwealth of Nations, and gave the reasons for his firm faith that the nations of the Commonwealth will survive in co-operation together whatever crises they might have to face in the future. His Majesty's Government certainly fully share that faith.

May I ask whether, in present circumstances, it would not be better if Ministers confined themselves to dealing with matters of policy rather than speculating as to hypothetical matters?

I think my right hon. Friend's speech was a very brilliant and statesmanlike exposition.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a large body of Conservatives who heard this statement welcomed it as a well-balanced and most helpful speech?

Is it not a fact that this report was based upon a single news agency report, and can my right hon. Friend give us an assurance that before a Cabinet Minister is going to make an important speech in future, all the leading news agencies and newspapers will receive an invitation?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a good many people outside the Government do not think the British Empire is likely to survive with the present Government?