HC Deb 10 July 1961 vol 644 cc30-1
49. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will make a further statement on the Geneva Test Conference.

The Minister of State, Foreign Affairs (Mr. J. B. Godber)

The Conference has discussed the Soviet Aide Memoire of 4th June and the United States reply of 17th June. On 5th July the Soviet Government sent a further communication to the United States Government which restates the Soviet position and appears, I regret to say, to be totally uncompromising. Nevertheless, it is our wish that the Conference should continue in hope that progress might still be made.

Mr. Henderson

In these circumstances, can we take it that Her Majesty's Government and the United States Government intend to carry on with the Conference?

Mr. Godber

Yes. It is our intention to do so as long as any hope at all remains.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

Can the hon. Gentleman confirm the statement made by an American authority that the establishment of control stations for a test ban and the provision of the instruments would take up to three or four years?

Mr. Godber

I have not seen that and should like to study it.