Toronto Summit

HC Deb 06 July 1988 vol 136 cc1059-60

17. Mr. Favell

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Toronto summit.

Sir Geoffrey Howe

I refer my hon. Friend to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 23 June.

Mr. Favell

Can my right hon. and learned Friend say something about the discussions that must have taken place about how best to react to recent remarkable developments in Russia? Does he agree with the view expressed in today's leader in The Times that Western leaders have a hard job ahead when deciding how best to applaud Mr. Gorbachev's efforts?

Sir Geoffrey Howe

There was certainly a good deal of discussion of the events that have been taking place in the Soviet Union. In the concluding declaration the Heads of Government stated: In the Soviet Union greater freedom and openness will offer opportunities to reduce mistrust and build confidence. Each of us will respond positively to any such developments.