HC Deb 19 February 1958 vol 582 cc1195-6
12. Mr. Philips Price

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he has taken to implement the proposal of the Prime Minister that a non-aggression pact should be signed between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the Western Powers.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

As my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal informed the House on 28th January, this suggestion was dealt with by the Prime Minister in his letter of 16th January to Mr. Bulganin, which was published on 17th January.

Mr. Price

Would it not be desirable to push on with this proposal with a view to improving the general international atmosphere in preparation for summit talks about disarmament?

Mr. Lloyd

What the Prime Minister said on 4th January should be taken in context. It is a matter for dispute as to whether this by itself would be of value. A non-aggression pact accompanying other practical agreement might be most desirable.

Mr. Bevan

Did not the Prime Minister say that we might start with it, and was not the clarification later issued from the Foreign Office rather a rebuke to the Prime Minister's own formulation?

Mr. Lloyd

I do not agree with the right hon. Gentleman, but I agree that this is a matter for debate rather than for question and answer.