§ 52. Mr. V. Yatesasked the Prime Minister how long he considers it necessary to examine the letter addressed to him by Mr. Bulganin on 20th April; and, in view of the need for agreement on vital issues affecting both countries, if he will speed up his final and comprehensive reply to Mr. Bulganin.
§ The Prime MinisterAs I said in my reply on 21st May to the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Mr. Swingler), I think it my duty to compile a full and careful answer to Mr. Bulganin's lengthy letter. I hope to be able to complete this task shortly.
§ Mr. YatesIs it not unreasonable to take more than five weeks to answer a letter, especially as the Prime Minister, when he last spoke on the matter, spoke of the interest he had in establishing relations with the Soviet Union? Is it, therefore, not reasonable to make the reply quickly?
§ The Prime MinisterI think that to make a fair judgment of that it would be necessary to know how long it took to compile the letter.