§ 2.42 p.m.
§ VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLSBOROUGHMy Lords, may I ask the Question of which I have given Private Notice: Whether Her Majesty's Government can make any statement on the present situation in Laos?
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE)My Lords, there have been no further developments on which 46 I can inform your Lordships to-day, since yesterday, when my right honourable friend in another place answered a number of questions on this subject. There have been no further developments.
§ VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLSBOROUGHMy Lords, I am grateful for the Answer. I can understand the difficulties. But we have had, first, Press reports as to what may have taken place as a result of the interview between the Prime Minister and the President of the United States; and, secondly, even more favourable reports since the meeting between Mr. Gromyko and Mr. Kennedy. Can I have an undertaking that we shall have a statement of the latest position before the House rises to-morrow?
§ THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNEMy Lords, I think it is true to say that the Press reports Which have been received have given us ground for optimism. In so far as it is possible, I can give an assurance to your Lordships that you will receive an up-to-date account of the position before we depart.
LORD REAMy Lords, would the noble Marquess say whether any arrangements have been made for notifying the Members of both Houses of Parliament of any further development during the time allotted for the Easter Recess?
§ THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNEI am afraid I am not aware of any arrangements that have been made.