HC Deb 14 February 1961 vol 634 cc1238-9
40. Mr. Donnelly

asked the Prime Minister whether he will attend the resumed meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in March.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)

I have nothing to add to what I said on 2nd and 7th February.

Mr. Donnelly

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the statement that has been made in another place about a significant shift in the Government's China policy is welcome, and, in these circumstances and in his own absence from the United Nations, may I ask what steps the Prime Minister is taking to publicise one of the few good things which the Government are doing in these dismal days?

The Prime Minister

The Question asked is whether I would go to the new meeting of the General Assembly. The General Assembly starts again on 7th March, and the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Meeting takes place here on 8th March. Therefore, I think the answer must be that I cannot do so.

Mr. Gaitskell

Is there not a possibility that the General Assembly may last considerably longer than the Prime Ministers' Conference? If it were to last longer, would the Prime Minister consider going a little later on during this Session?

The Prime Minister

Normally, the Foreign Secretary and other Ministers lead the British delegation. There were special circumstances in which I did go last autumn after much consideration, and those circumstances might arise again.