§ 42. Mr. Warbeyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he will propose to the countries represented on the Disarmament Sub-Committee the publication of an interim report of the proceedings, including a statement of the proposals tabled so far by each delegation.
§ Lord John HopeI have nothing to add to the statement by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State on 28th March.
§ Mr. WarbeyWhile strongly deprecating unauthorised, ex partedisclosures—[Laughter.]Why not?—will the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of publishing an interim statement which would give public opinion an opportunity to consider the views of the various Governments and express itself upon them, rather than confronting public opinion at the end of a series of meetings with what might prove to be a catastrophic breakdown in negotiations.
§ Lord John HopeAny publication on the sort of basis that the hon. Gentleman is asking about is a matter for the Sub-Committee itself. Meanwhile, he has been given a perfectly accurate account by my right hon. Friend. If he does not choose to believe it, I cannot help that.