§ 51. Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Lord Privy Seal what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard 31 to the proposal submitted to the United Nations by Pakistan that there should be a full scale inquiry into the economic and social consequences of disarmament.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. J. B. Godber)The main lines of the Pakistani resolution were acceptable to Her Majesty's Government. But when it came up in the Economic Committee of the General Assembly, an amendment was introduced by the Lebanese representative which in our view tended to spoil the effect of the Pakistani proposal. In these circumstances the United Kingdom representative abstained from voting.
§ Mr. ThomsonWhat steps do the Government propose taking to pursue this very important matter? Do not they agree that it is one of the most important aspects in bringing about disarmament?
§ Mr. GodberThe Government certainly agree on the importance of this matter. It will be coming up later in the general debate, and we shall be able to review the whole position again in the light of that and any possible future amendments which may be put forward.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerWill the Joint Under-Secretary of State give a pledge that the Government will support the proposal which will carry out the effect of the Pakistan motion?
§ Mr. GodberI indicated that we were sympathetic towards the intentions of the Pakistan motion. We must see what the motion is like when it reaches a final decision before we can give any definite indication on voting.
§ Mr. MayhewWould the hon. Gentleman agree that the economic advantages to the world of all-round multilateral disarmament are greater than the economic advantages of any one economic system over any other economic system?
§ Mr. GodberI would certainly agree that they are very great indeed.