HC Deb 02 May 1955 vol 540 c1341
46. Mr. E. Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement about the progress of the talks on disarmament now taking place in London.

Mr. Turton

No, Sir. I have nothing to add to the reply I gave on 28th April to the hon. and learned Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hector Hughes).

Mr. Fletcher

What progress is being made, and how long does the hon. Gentleman expect these talks to continue?

Mr. Turton

There has been no delay on the part of Her Majesty's Government. At present, as the hon. Member probably knows, there is a certain amount of postponement owing to the indisposition of the Soviet representative. I hope that the hon. Member will join us in wishing a speedy recovery to Mr. Malik.

Mr. Beswick

Is any consideration being given to the suggestion, which I made to the Minister's right hon. Friend, that at the end of the conference a verbatim report of proceedings should be published? Have the other representatives been sounded as to the possibility of doing this?

Mr. Turton

Certainly, consideration is being given to the representation made by the hon. Member.