HC Deb 23 July 1963 vol 681 cc1257-8
Q4. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether he intends to lead the British delegation to the September meeting of the United Nations General Assembly.

The Prime Minister

I think it is too soon to take a decision on this point. I would naturally go to the General Assembly meeting if at the time it seemed likely to be useful.

Mr. Henderson

Would the Prime Minister bear in mind that the September meeting of the General Assembly would provide him with an opportunity for meeting President Kennedy and Mr. Khrushchev and other national leaders without the publicity and formality of a summit conference? Would he therefore indicate that he would be willing to go to that meeting if Mr. Khrushchev indicated his readiness to go?

The Prime Minister

Of course I would be wiling to do anything which would be helpful. I still think that much depends on the events of the next few days. If those go well, we can see the best way to develop the next steps.

Mr. Fernyhough

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that he will be the Prime Minister when this meeting takes place?

The Prime Minister

The hon. Member has spent seven years trying to stop me and he has not succeeded yet.