asked the Minister for External Affairs whether he is aware that Commonwealth countries formerly used the description now used in this country to describe the counterparts of his Department; but that they now use the description Department of Foreign Affairs; and whether he will consider changing the present title of the Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Title of Department.
6.
I have had under consideration for some time the question of changing the name of my Department and towards this end I have had research undertaken into the practice of other countries. I expect to be in a position shortly to make a recommendation to the Government in this matter.
Will it mean legislation?
No, a Government Order would do.
The Minister is aware that the Australians were the most recent to change to the description "Foreign Affairs". It seems "External Affairs" is one of the relics of our Commonwealth status and I cannot see any good reason why we should continue to use this title. Would that be the Minister's own view?
That is why I undertook this research. The title "External Affairs" seems to have been confined to Commonwealth countries. I have had the practice, the titles of Ministers and officers examined in the 24 countries with which we have relations, and I will put proposals to the Government-