62. Mr. Hendersonasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will make a statement on the progress made at the Geneva Test Ban Conference.
§ Mr. SmithersThe Eighteen-Nation Disarmament Committee has now resumed regular sessions after the recess and was due to hold its 91st meeting this morning. The Nuclear Tests Sub-Committee, which continued to work throughout the recess, has now held 48 meetings. Unfortunately, although the points of difference are now clearer, no substantial progress has been made. There have been efforts, particularly by certain non-aligned countries, to overcome the present difficulties through various compromise solutions; but, although these proposals have contained a number of useful suggestions, none has been able to solve the fundamental problem—the Soviet refusal to accept the minimum degree of verification which is necessary for an effective and lasting comprehensive treaty.