§ 48. Mr. Healeyasked the Pime Minister whether, in view of recent developments at the Foreign Ministers' Conference, he will now propose the early convocation of a Summit Conference.
§ 50. Mr. Swinglerasked the Prime Minister if, in the light of the difficulties encountered at the Foreign Ministers' Conference at Geneva, he will now initiate consultations with other Heads of Governments about the summoning of a Summit Conference.
§ The Prime MinisterIt is my hope that the Foreign Ministers' Conference which is to be resumed on 13th July in Geneva will lead to a meeting of Heads of Government.
§ Mr. HealeyWould not the Prime Minister agree that careful study of Mr. Gromyko's speech on Friday, as well as that of Mr. Khrushchev on the previous day, shows that the Western and Communist positions on the question of Europe are not so far apart as was at first assumed; and that the recent developments at the Nuclear Test Plan Conference in Geneva alone fully justify the earliest possible meeting of the Heads of Government?
§ The Prime MinisterI am certainly in agreement with the view that the hon. Gentleman has expressed—that it would be a mistake to underrate the degree of success that has already taken place at the Foreign Ministers' Conference. The Foreign Ministers have not reached agreement, but undoubtedly the positions are more clarified and, in certain respects, are nearer together. For that reason, I hope that after a short adjournment the Foreign Ministers will be able to make still further progress.
§ Mr. GaitskellIn view of the right hon. Gentleman's statement of his hopes of a Summit Conference, may I ask whether the Foreign Secretary will be making an up-to-date statement on the Conference?
§ The Prime MinisterI understand that there are a number of Questions addressed to my right hon. and learned Friend for tomorrow, and he thinks that it may be convenient to summarise them in a statement at the end of Questions.
§ Mr. SwinglerWhatever the developments at the Foreign Ministers' Conference, will the Prime Minister give an assurance that he will take the initiative in asking for a Summit Conference, which is more rather than less necessary if progress is not made by the Foreign Ministers?
§ The Prime MinisterI am very grateful for the hon. Gentleman's support, but perhaps he will allow me to do my best to handle the matter in the way that I hope may arrive at a good result.