§ Q1. Mr. Winnickasked the Prime Minister what further consultations he is having with heads of Governments and the United Nations Secretary General over the future of Aden and the South Arabian Federation.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Wilson)My noble Friend Lord Caradon is in close touch with the United Nations Secretary General and with the Special Mission which was appointed by the Secretary General. We are also in touch with other Governments from time to time about South Arabia but it is not the practice to reveal the confidential diplomatic exchanges involved.
§ Mr. WinnickIs my right hon. Friend aware of the mounting concern at the violence and tragedy in Aden, which has mainly come about because of the policy of the previous Government? Would the Government now be willing to consider drastic basic changes in the make-up of the South Arabian Federation in order to secure a lasting peace in Aden?
§ The Prime MinisterWe are all deeply concerned about the tragedy and the violence of Aden, whatever explanation any hon. Member may put upon it. Our policy about the South Arabian Federation has been fully stated in the House by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, and he has also described our hopes of getting a more representative Government there as a result of the consultations which are now going on.