§ 9. Sir C. Osborneasked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of the Soviet Government policy expressed by Mr. Khrushchev of a wish for peaceful 917 coexistence with the West, and their willingness to disagree openly with China over this issue, what steps he is taking in consultation with Her Majesty's Government's Western allies to improve relations with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in order to reduce the need for a high rate of defence expenditure; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HeathHer Majesty's Government constantly consider, in consultation with our allies, ways and means of improving relations with the Soviet Union. In particular, Her Majesty's Government have made sustained efforts to solve the disarmament problem, which would contribute greatly to the end which my hon. Friend has in mind.
§ Sir C. OsborneSince Mr. Khrushchev has obviously quarrelled with the Chinese over the question of peaceful coexistence, is my right hon. Friend satisfied that all the Western allies have gone halfway to meet him in this desire and so to reduce the tremendous cost of armaments the world over?
§ Mr. HeathIt is true that there are certain doctrinal differences between the Soviet Union and China. The Western Alliance has made perfectly plain its desire to follow a policy of peaceful coexistence.
§ Mr. P. Noel-BakerSo that we may understand what the Government have done, will the right hon. Gentleman give us a White Paper setting out the terms of the Russian draft treaty for general disarmament and Her Majesty's Government's attitude towards each clause of those proposals?
§ Mr. HeathI will certainly examine the request which the right hon. Gentleman has made and discuss it with my hon. Friend the Minister of State.