§ 31. Mr. Kirkasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in accordance with his statement made before the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe on 21st January, 1960, he is now prepared to take the initiative for political consultations in the framework of the Committee of Ministers in the Council of Europe, in view of the terms of Resolution (59) 30, of the Committee of Ministers, adopted on 14th December, 1959, and Recommendation 230, of the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe, adopted on 22nd January, 1960.
§ Mr. ProfumoMy right hon. and learned Friend has no objection to full use being made of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe for political discussions on such topics as properly fall to be discussed in that body. But he is not at present contemplating any initiative to stimulate such discussions.
§ Mr. KirkWould not my right hon. Friend agree that this might be a fairly suitable channel for political discussion arising out of the difficulties between the Six and the Seven?
§ Mr. ProfumoMy right hon. and learned Friend has considered this matter in the light of the Recommendation of the Assembly. Of course, there are practical difficulties in view of the number of Ministers concerned and all their other commitments.