HC Deb 26 January 1961 vol 633 cc342-3
46. Mr. Healey

asked the Prime Minister, whether, during the forthcoming visit of the Chancellor of the German Federal Republic, he will discuss the establishment of a zone of arms control in Central Europe.

52. Mr. Mayhew

asked the Prime Minister what subjects he proposes to discuss with Dr. Adenauer when he visits this country.

55. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Prime Minister whether, during the forthcoming visit of the Chancellor of the German Federal Republic, he will discuss the possibility of how tension in Europe could be eased if Germany became a neutral country like Austria.

The Prime Minister

I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Members for South Ayrshire (Mr. Emrys Hughes) and Woolwich, East (Mr. Mayhew) on 1st December.

Mr. Healey

Is the Prime Minister aware that many of us are intrigued by the rather more positive reply which he gave to this Question on 1st December? Can he tell the House whether he proposes to raise this matter, which has been dormant for eighteen months, again now that the altitude of the new American Administration is likely to be more favourable?

The Prime Minister

I fear that if I encouraged the hon. Member by a more positive reply, I might be in danger of being led into an indiscretion. I shall, therefore, leave it where it is.

Mr. Hughes

Does not the Prime Miniser agree that it was a good thing when Austria became neutral, that there is now no danger in that part of the world and that, if Germany were made neutral, that would ease the situation all over Europe and make for general peace and disarmament?

The Prime Minister

This is a large subject for question and answer. I do not think that there is any analogy. A neutralised Germany is not in the least comparable with Austria, either in strength, power or population. A neutralised Germany might well create a dangerous political vacuum in Central Europe. These at least are issues which we must bear in mind, but which can hardly be settled by question and answer. The hon. Gentleman should consider this aspect of the question.