HC Deb 12 April 1954 vol 526 cc776-7
31. Mr. Noel-Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs who will represent Her Majesty's Government at the forthcoming meeting of the United Nations Disarmament Commission, and in the sub-committee which it is proposed to set up; and who will be the experts by whom this representative will be advised.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

Her Majesty's Government were represented at the Disarmament Commission meeting on 9th April by their Permanent Representative on the Commission, Sir Pierson Dixon. Their representation on the sub-committee, which it is hoped the Commission will agree to set up, will have to depend to some extent on where and when the subcommittee decides to meet.

Mr. E. Fletcher

Will the Minister bear in mind the desirability of representing that, if possible, the sub-committee should sit in London, certainly in Europe, and not in America?

Mr. Lloyd

These matters are very much in our minds.

Mr. Noel-Baker

May we take it that the Government will be represented by a Minister and that he will have expert advice of the highest quality?

Mr. Lloyd

All I can say is that the Government will be suitably represented.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman say whether it is within the terms of this Commission to consider German disarmament?

Mr. Lloyd

The terms of this Commission will include all forms of disarmament.