§ 22. Sir T. Beamishasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what proposals he has made to the Soviet Government for disengagement in Europe; and if he will now announce the Government's detailed plans, and the extent of agreement reached with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation allies.
§ Mr. M. StewartIt was clear from my discussions with Mr. Gromyko in March that the Soviet Government still hold quite different views from the Western Powers on the settlement of European problems. Her Majesty's Government adhere to the view that arms control measures have to be considered in relation to a political settlement in Europe and, in particular, to the reunification of Germany. Our allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation fully agree with us on this. These differences with the Soviet Government cannot be easily or quickly reconciled, but we shall continue to strive for agreement.
§ Sir T. BeamishAs disengagement in Europe has been the keystone of Socialist foreign policy for at least eight years, since the present Minister of Defence wrote his Fabian tract, "A Neutral Belt in Europe", does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that it comes as a great disappointment to many people who took these proposals as practicable and at their face value that virtually no progress whatsoever has been made in this direction so far?
§ Mr. StewartAs I said in reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire, South-East (Mr. Park) a short time ago, these are not matters which can be carried through without the concurrence of a number of other Governments, for which we shall have to seek.
§ Mr. EnnalsDoes my right hon. Friend agree that proposals for political disengagement and for a freeze on nuclear weapons in Central Europe are really very 911 different, and does he feel that it is wise to impose a political link with proposals concerned purely with arms control? Has past experience in this field been very encouraging?
§ Mr. StewartOn this particular question, we must regard these two matters as very closely related.
§ Mr. SpeakerMr. Arthur Henderson—Question No. 24.
§ Mr. A. RoyleOn a point order, Mr. Speaker. May I ask for your advice? A few minutes ago, the Minister of State informed me that he was unable to answer a supplementary question from me as it arose on another Question on the Order Paper later. As this Question, No. 23, has not been called, would it be possible for the Minister of State now to answer my question?
§ Mr. SpeakerI do not think that the Minister said that he could not answer, but the effect was that he would not. His hopes in the matter were disappointed. I cannot help the hon. Gentleman.