HC Deb 01 August 1956 vol 557 cc1377-8
20. Mr. Beswick

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the new proposals recently put forward, he will now have printed the verbatim records of the United Nations Disarmament Sub-Committee meetings held at Lancaster House earlier this year.

Lord John Hope

No, Sir. The considerations mentioned in my reply to the hon. Member on 6th June still apply.

Mr. Beswick

Having now had an opportunity of reading the verbatim records, is the Joint Under-Secretary aware that the only conclusion anyone can reach is that the reason why the Government do not want the reports to have wider circulation is that they are afraid that their wriggling attitude in this matter will be disclosed to a wide public?

Lord John Hope

That seems an odd conclusion to draw from the publishing by the Government of the verbatim reports, which has been done.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

Will the Joint Under-Secretary represent to the Secretary of State that it is very desirable that these records should be in the hands of hon. Members before the General Assembly meets in September?

Lord John Hope

Hon. Members can see them in the Library now.