HC Deb 25 March 1963 vol 674 cc947-8
47. Mr. Warbey

asked the Lord Privy Seal what official British proposals on North Atlantic Treaty Organisation defence and political policy were put forward by the Foreign Secretary during his recent discussions in Paris.

Mr. Heath

I would ask the hon. Gentleman to await the statement on this subject that I shall be making in the House tomorrow.

Mr. Warbey

Why must we wait until tomorrow in view of the fact that the speech of the Foreign Secretary, which was made last week, has already been fairly fully reported in the Press? Will the right hon. Gentleman at least give the House the assurance that it is not the intention of the Government that British foreign policy, as well as British defence policy, shall in future be made in secret conclave at the N.A.T.O. Alliance?

Mr. Heath

There is no question of British foreign policy being made in secret conclave. As I have already explained to the House, however, there are certain times when it is necessary to have confidential discussions with one's allies. If the hon. Gentleman will await my statement tomorrow, perhaps he will be able to ask a supplementary question about it.