§ Q8. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Prime Minister what was the nature of his reply to the new year's message from Mr. Khrushchev; and what proposals he made regarding the level of arms expenditure in Great Britain.
§ The Prime MinisterThe exchange of messages was published in the Press. There was no reference in these messages to the level of arms expenditure.
§ Mr. AllaunDoes the Prime Minister agree that the recent cuts by America and Russia without awaiting all-round agreement have had an excellent effect and are leading to further lessening of tension? Why is Britain lagging behind?
§ The Prime MinisterI have just given an Answer which I hope showed the hon. Memberthat in fact we are in front in this sense, because we spend a smaller proportion of our gross national product on arms than certain other countries. I gather than in a few moments the party opposite is likely to ask us to increase expenditure on conventional arms. Therefore, I think the hon. Member had better be a little careful and listen to his Front Bench.
§ Mr. Hector HughesWill the Prime Minister realise that Mr. Khrushchev's new year's message presented him with a splendid opportunity to invite Mr. Khrushchev to this country for peace talks? Will he now mend his ways, and invite Mr. Khrushchev for that purpose?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think that that matter arises on this Question.