§ 48. Mr. Osborneasked the Prime Minister if the Secretary of State for Scotland's recent statement regarding relations with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics represents the policy of His Majesty's Government.
§ The Prime MinisterI presume that the hon. Member has in mind the opinion expressed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland when addressing the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland at the end of last month, that there can be no expectation that the cold war will end in the near future. This was, of course, a purely personal expression of opinion and if it proves incorrect no one would be happier than I myself—or, I imagine my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. OsborneIs not the Prime Minister aware that the statement was that the cold war with Russia would not end this year or next year or the year after? Is that not a serious confession of terrible failure on the part of His Majesty's Government?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. It is not an expression of Government policy any more than if anyone were to say that the fine weather would last for two days it would be an expression of Government policy. It may be a prophecy or a statement of facts, but it is certainly not a statement of policy, which was what the hon. Member was inquiring about.
§ Mr. Harmar NichollsIs the Prime Minister suggesting that His Majesty's Government have no more control over international events than they have over the weather?
§ The Prime MinisterHis Majesty's Government will deal with matters arising from the weather as well as from international politics, but in neither case are they able to control all the factors.
§ Mr. OsborneIs not the Prime Minister aware that this statement was made by a Minister who had been in contact 550 with foreign affairs for the last four years and who, therefore, should have special knowledge?