HC Deb 10 June 1953 vol 516 cc222-3
47. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on the results of his recent discussions with Commonwealth Premiers.

The Prime Minister

I do not wish to enlarge upon the agreed statement which was issued yesterday. I will arrange that this should be printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

If the Prime Minister is satisfied that there is a real and genuine demand for more information, will he consider whether it will be possible to give the House and the country more information than hitherto has been given and, in particular, can he say anything about the reported unanimity of view among the Commonwealth Premiers in support of his plea for high level consultations with the Soviet Union at the earliest possible moment?

The Prime Minister

Great pains were taken in the preparation of this document. It is remarkable, when we consider that it represented, I suppose, the opinions of nearly one-quarter of the whole human race, or something like that—very remarkable. I was very glad that there was such a full measure of agreement considering all the different conditions under which we meet. I think it should be very carefully studied and reflected upon. I do not wish at the present time to make any special comments. I think it should be included in the Reports of the House to give all hon. Members the fullest access to the authentic document.

Following is the statement: