HC Deb 19 November 1970 vol 806 c1428
Q4. Mr. John Fraser

asked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement about his meeting in October with Mr. Gromyko.

The Prime Minister

I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Leeds, East (Mr. Healey) on 5th November.—[Vol. 805, c. 1259–61.]

Mr. Fraser

Apart from the general information which has been given to us, will the Prime Minister say whether it was possible to make any further progress towards the convening of a European security conference, a subject which I understand he discussed with the Soviet Foreign Minister?

The Prime Minister

I cannot report that any further progress has been made since our conversations with Mr. Gromyko, but I should have thought that it was a little too early to expect that to happen.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Did Mr. Gromyko explain the Soviet Union's objection to the release of Rudolf Hess, which has been asked for by the three Western Allies on humanitarian grounds?

The Prime Minister

There were a number of what might be termed personal matters which I was asked to raise with Mr. Gromyko, but this was not a matter which I discussed with him personally.