HC Deb 07 November 1966 vol 735 cc967-8
31. Mr. G. Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the Government intend to start to renegotiate the Nassau Agreement.

Mr. George Thomson

I have nothing to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to my hon. Friend the Member for Lewisham, West (Mr. Dickens) on 12th May. [Vol. 728, c. 593.]

Mr. Campbell

Have the Government changed their mind? If not, why are they being so slow about doing something?

Mr. Thomson

No, Sir. When we have reached agreement on nuclear matters in N.A.T.O., that will be the time to make any necessary changes in the Nassau Agreement.

Mr. Tapsell

In view of the Prime Minister's frequent sneering references to the Nassau Agreement, repeated in this House as recently as Question Time last Thursday, is it not extraordinary that the Government do not think it necessary to take urgent action?

Mr. Thomson

I do not think that the hon. Gentleman could have listened to the Answer which I gave. We are engaged in N.A.T.O. at the moment in discussing various changes in the nuclear arrangements. Any change in the Nassau Agreement arises out of those, and they have to be completed first.