HC Deb 17 March 1958 vol 584 cc899-900
10. Mr. Beswick

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in the course of negotiations on the agenda for a Summit Conference, he will press for the inclusion of the establishment of an area of disengagement in Central Europe; and if, as part of Her Majesty's Government's long-term policy of building the strength and effectiveness of the United Nations, he will press for the necessary inspection and control agency to be responsible directly to the United Nations and not to consist of contingents seconded from national forces and responsible primarily to national States.

Commander Noble

The question of the agenda for a Summit Conference is one for negotiation. I do not think it would be useful to take up a public position in advance of such negotiations.

Mr. Beswick

Surely the Minister of State can say whether, in addition to their general support of the United Nations, the Government are prepared to do something in particular, and is this not an area in which the United Nations' forces could operate not only for the advantage of Europe but the world generally? Surely we can have some idea of what the long-term policy of the Government is?

Commander Noble

That may well be. I do not exclude the possibility, if any such scheme as the hon. Member suggests were agreed, that the United Nations would have a useful part to play; but I think it would be premature to go into that now.

Mr. F. M. Bennett

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend say meanwhile whether our experience of United Nations inspection and control teams in North Korea has been particularly encouraging?

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