§ Q10. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Prime Minister when his hot line to Premier Kosygin became operational; and when, and in what circumstances, it has been used.
§ The Prime MinisterI have as yet nothing to add to the Answers given to Questions by the hon. and gallant Member for Winchester (Rear-Admiral Morgan Giles) by myself on 6th July and by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary on 17th July.—[Vol. 749, c. 286; Vol. 750, c. 162.]
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonThe Prime Minister had no exchange on the hot line with Mr. Kosygin during the Middle East crisis. Is that correct?
§ The Prime MinisterIf the hon. Member will read my Answer he will see that shortly after this matter was discussed in the House Soviet technicians arrived in this country. We were waiting for them to come. That was the reason for the delay. The matter has now been propertly surveyed, and arrangements are going forward for the installation. The absence of this means of communication did not prevent the frequent exchange of messages, through the Ambassador there, between Mr. Kosygin and myself during the Middle East crisis.