HC Deb 10 July 1956 vol 556 cc201-2
The Prime Minister

With your permission, Mr. Speaker, and that of the House I wish to make a short statement.

During the recent visit of the Soviet leaders to this country, my right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary and I accepted an invitation to pay a return visit to the Soviet Union in due course. It has now been agreed that this should take place in May next year, and, as at present proposed, we would leave this country on 5th May. Our visit to the Soviet Union will last about ten days.

The Foreign Secretary and I look forward during the course of this visit to renewing our conversations with the Soviet leaders. There will also, I understand, be opportunities to visit Leningrad and perhaps other areas of the Soviet Union.

Mr. Gaitskell

Although it is rather too soon to ask the Prime Minister detailed questions about his visit, may I say, on behalf of my right hon. and hon. Friends, that we welcome the fact that it is to take place and hope that it will be fruitful?