HC Deb 04 April 1951 vol 486 cc175-6
2. Mr. Harrison

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can now make a statement on the progress of the meat talks with the Argentine.

5. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will now make a statement on the progress of the meat negotiations in the Argentine.

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

I have nothing to add to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Nottingham, East (Mr. Harrison), on 12th March.

Mr. Harrison

In view of the reply which he has just given, will my right hon. Friend take steps to restrain Conservative newspapers from publishing highly insulting articles concerning the head of a friendly State—Argentina—such as that published in the "Daily Mail" on Monday of this week?

Mr. Morrison

I follow my hon. Friend's point, but I have no power to restrain newspapers.

Mr. Turton

To assist the Economic Secretary to the Treasury in his task, will the right hon. Gentleman consider flying out to Argentina a member of the meat trade who has knowledge of South American problems?

Mr. Morrison

I will consider the application of the hon. Member.

Air Commodore Harvey

Can the Foreign Secretary tell us how these negotiations are going? Does he not realise that millions of people are dependent on them, and want something to look forward to?

Mr. Morrison

I fully understand and realise the purport of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's question.

Mr. A. Lewis

Can the Foreign Secretary give us an assurance that, as soon as it is possible to make a factual statement on these negotiations, he will arrange for such a statement to be given to the House?

Mr. Morrison

Yes, Sir.