HC Deb 23 July 1963 vol 681 c1257
Q3. Mr. Stone house

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the progress of the test ban talks in Moscow.

The Prime Minister

I still think it is better for me not to add to the communiqués issued from Moscow.

Mr. Stonehouse

Is the Prime Minister aware that if success is achieved in Moscow it will be greeted with a profound sense of relief in all parts of the world? But is he further aware that this will be but a Pyrrhic victory if the non-nuclear Powers who aspire to be nuclear Powers prefer to ignore the agreement? What new diplomatic initiative does he intend to take with France and China to ensure their future co-operation?

The Prime Minister

The first thing is to get the agreement.

Lord Balniel

Will my right hon. Friend realise that if his initiative in seeking a nuclear test ban treaty reaches fruition, there will be world-wide recognition that it is his lead which has been consistent in this matter and worldwide recognition that his achievement will be all the greater because his hands have been so hindered by the nuclear disarmament policies of hon. Members opposite?

The Prime Minister

If, as I hope—I am hoping anxiously and waiting anxiously—we soon find that these negotiations reach a satisfactory conclusion, it will be a great step forward and one for which we have striven for a long time.