§ 28. Mr. Zilliacusasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give an assurance that the Government supports the early holding of a Summit Conference regardless of the outcome of the impending Foreign Ministers' Conference.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydHer Majesty's Government's Note of 26th March stated their position clearly. I repeat the words used:
The purpose of the Foreign Ministers' meeting should be to reach positive agreements over as wide a field as possible, and in any case to narrow the differences between the respective points of view and to prepare constructive proposals for consideration by a conference of Heads of Government later in the summer. On this understanding and as soon as developments in the Foreign Ministers' meeting warrant holding a Summit Conference, Her Majesty's Government will be glad to participate in such a conference. The date, place and agenda for such a conference will be proposed by the meeting of Foreign Ministers.
§ Mr. ZilliacusDoes that reply mean that there will be a Summit Conference whether the amount of agreement reached at the Foreign Ministers' Conference is considerable, small or negligible?
§ Mr. LloydThis formulation was carefully worked out. I think that my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has 1024 already answered a supplementary question very much similar in form to that just put by the hon. Gentleman. I have nothing to add to what my right hon. Friend said.