HC Deb 26 March 1959 vol 602 c1518
47. Mr. Healey

asked the Prime Minister whether he will propose that the Summit Conference should study the possibility of limiting and controlling the supply of arms to the Middle East.

The Prime Minister

Until the nature and scope of any possible Summit Conference is known it would be unwise to speculate about its agenda. Such matters would in any case have to be settled by discussion with our Allies and the Soviet Government.

Mr. Healey

Cannot the Prime Minister apply the insight which he so recently acquired into possible solutions of the European problem to the very similar problems of the Middle East? Would not he agree that the dangerous absurdity of current policy is well illustrated by the fact that at present one Arab State is threatening to use weapons supplied by Britain to fight for Communism against another Arab State which has been armed by Russia?

The Prime Minister

All these are very grave questions. I was answering a Question whether I would say what would be the agenda for the Summit Conference, and I am afraid that I am not in a position to do so.

Mr. Gaitskell

Did the Prime Minister discuss the Middle East in his talks with Mr. Khrushchev?

The Prime Minister

No, Sir.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

Will my right hon. Friend repudiate the attempt by the Opposition to widen the terms of reference of the forthcoming summit talks, which would make it less likely than ever that any satisfactory agreement will be reached?

The Prime Minister

I think it is a good thing to try to do one thing at a time.

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