HC Deb 28 April 1955 vol 540 c1067
54. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will now specify the steps taken during the first four months of 1955 by the British Government to secure agreement for international disarmament and the results achieved up to date.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. R. H. Turton)

As the United Nations Sub-Committee is still meeting in private in London, I can add nothing to the statement made by my right hon. Friend, the Minister of State, on 28th March. A full report will be made when the proceedings of the Disarmament Sub-Committee are concluded.

Mr. Hughes

Does not the Minister realise that Government delay in this has been altogether excessive? There is a grave danger to international peace. Surely we should be in a position to make some interim statement on so grave a matter?

Mr. Turton

These Sub-Committee meetings have been proceeding. So long as they are being held in private it would be improper for Her Majesty's Government to make an interim statement.