(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make about a change in title of the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs and the Dominions Office.

Yes, Sir. It has for some time past been clear that in certain quarters, both here and overseas, the view has been taken that the titles of the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs and the Dominions Office are no longer entirely appropriate and are liable to convey a misleading impression of the relations between the United Kingdom and the other members of the Commonwealth. His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom have accordingly reached the conclusion that it is desirable that these titles should now be changed, and steps are accordingly being taken for the issue of an Order in Council, under the Ministers (Transfer of Functions), Act, to alter the titles to Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and Commonwealth Relations Office, respectively.