HC Deb 07 April 1952 vol 498 cc2278-80
45. Mr. Dodds

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the changed circumstances consequent upon the progress of the re-armament programme, what contribution he now is prepared to make to the holding of a meeting attended by the heads of the Great Powers in a supreme effort to lessen international tension.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Winston Churchill)

I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to a similar Question by the hon. Member on 29th January.

Mr. Dodds

That answer is not good enough. Will the right hon. Gentleman state if he is as enthusiastic now about the meeting as he was before the Elections in 1950 and 1951? Does not he appreciate that the vast majority of the people would rather that he tried and failed than that he should not try at all?

The Prime Minister

It is not a question of enthusiasm, but of earnestness, and that is in no way diminished.

Mr. Shinwell

What has caused the right hon. Gentleman to change his mind?

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Anthony Eden)

Why does the right hon. Gentleman attack him?

Mr. Shinwell

The right hon. Gentleman the Foreign Secretary asks me why I attack him. I am asking the question, not the right hon. Gentleman the Foreign Secretary. I repeat my question. Why has the right hon. Gentleman changed his mind? What has caused him to do that? Has he been thinking again?

The Prime Minister

No, I have not changed my mind at all, but apparently the right hon. Gentleman has changed his since he and his party in 1951 called my observations a stunt.

Mr. Shinwell

Are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman's reluctance to take up the point is that he now regards it as a stunt himself?

The Prime Minister

I have no reluctance at all. If the circumstances and situation were favourable, I would welcome the occasion.

Sir H. Williams

Will my right hon. Friend state what answer was given last week in the Supreme Soviet by Mr. Stalin to a similar question?

The Prime Minister

I really think I had better confine myself to answering on behalf of Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Dodds

Will the Prime Minister say what contribution he is making towards making it a practical proposition? Does not he realise that if he does not "get cracking" soon, he may not have an opportunity to do it?