HC Deb 26 May 1952 vol 501 cc910-1
2. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the United Nations Disarmament Commission has completed its collection of figures of the approximate arms expenditure of the nations of the world; and if he will press for its publication.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

The United Nations Disarmament Commission has not undertaken the collection of any such figures.

Mr. Sorensen

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman reply to the last part of the Question about the publication of the figures?

Mr. Lloyd

As the figures are not being collected, it is difficult to see how they can be published. At the moment, quite frankly, our representative is not so interested in the financial particulars as in the other particulars which so far the Soviet Union have not supplied in any shape or form.

Mr. Sorensen

Does not the right hon. and learned Gentleman agree that the compilation of these figures would be extremely interesting to those interested in the question?

Mr. Lloyd

I do not think the financial aspect is as important as getting the other matters cleared up first.

Sir W. Smithers

Can my right hon. and learned Friend say why any figures which would be of service to the enemy should be published?

25. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he expects that the first report of the Disarmament Commission will be ready by 1st June, as required by paragraph 7 of the Resolution of the General Assembly passed on 11th January, 1952; and what proposals have been made by Her Majesty's Government to the Commission for inclusion in the report.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

I understand that the Disarmament Commission will have its first report ready by 1st June. A general statement of principles on which a disarmament programme might be based was tabled by the American Delegation in the Commission on 24th April, and these were supported by Her Majesty's Government. Further proposals are in preparation, though I cannot yet say whether these will be tabled in time for inclusion in the report of 1st June.

Mr. Henderson

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman say whether satisfactory progress has been made in these discussions?

Mr. Lloyd

No, I think it is the view of Her Majesty's Government that satisfactory progress has not been made. A great deal too much use of this Commission is being made for purposes of international propaganda, and in fact there was a refusal on the part of the Soviet delegation even to agree on the agenda until the end of March.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Would the Minister consider letting us have this first report in the form of a White Paper at an early date?

Mr. Lloyd

I will certainly bear that in mind.