§ 50. Mr. Michael Stewartasked the Minister of Defence what position has been taken up by His Majesty's Government at the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Conference at Rome on the standardisation of a rifle and ammunition; and how far a generally agreed decision has been reached.
§ The Prime MinisterHis Majesty's Government are reserving their position about the standardisation of a rifle and ammunition at the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Conference in Rome, since the matter is still under examination.
As I have already informed the House, I shall be making a statement on this subject before we rise for the Christmas Recess.
§ Mr. E. ShinwellHas the right hon. Gentleman seen the Press reports to the effect that the Secretary of State for Air, who is one of the Government's representatives at the North Atlantic Treaty Conference, has stated quite emphatically that His Majesty's Government intend to stand by the new. 280 rifle and ammunition?
§ The Prime MinisterI have not seen details of reports at all, but I will reserve what I have to say on the matter until I make my statement to the House.