HC Deb 19 February 1958 vol 582 cc1196-7
13. Mr. Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the British Ambassador at Bonn was last in London for consultations with his Department.

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

Her Majesty's Ambassador at Bonn was here for consultation from 6th to 10th February.

Mr. Lipton

In the course of these consultations, was the Ambassador instructed that Her Majesty's Government were opposed to the creation of a nuclear-free zone in central Europe, and was he instructed to inform the West German Government accordingly?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

I am sure the hon. Member realises that precisely what was discussed with the Ambassador cannot be disclosed.

Mr. Bevan

As in their Defence Estimates the Government have taken credit for a German contribution towards the support of British forces in Germany, did the right hon. Gentleman receive from the Ambassador any indication that the Bonn Government were now favourable towards that?

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

That is miles outside the Question on the Order Paper.

Mr. Bevan

On a point of order. Will the right hon. Gentleman read the Question again?

Mr. Speaker

That is not a point of order.

Mr. Bevan

"Consultation" with the Ambassador.

Mr. Speaker

The right hon. Gentleman says that it is outside the Question and apparently the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Ebbw Vale (Mr. Bevan) disputes that.

Mr. Bevan

On a point of order. This is the second time the right hon. Gentleman has evaded the Question on the Order Paper. The Question asks the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when—[HON. MEMBERS "When."]—the British Ambassador at Bonn was last in London for consultation with the authorities.

Mr. Speaker

That was answered. I understood that the date was given.

Mr. Shinwell rose

—

Mr. Speaker

Does the right hon. Member for Easington (Mr. Shinwell) wish to ask a supplementary question?

Mr. Shinwell

I wish merely to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the Ambassador informed the right hon. and learned Gentleman the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his diplomatic efforts in Germany as Ambassador had succeeded in persuading the German Government to pay part of the support costs.

Mr. Ormsby-Gore

That also goes way beyond the Question.

Mr. Lipton

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter at the earliest possible moment.