§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Prime Minister if he will state the policy of his Government on the existing United Nations resolutions on Kashmir; and if he will make a statement. [20370]
§ The Prime MinisterBritain supported, and both India and Pakistan agreed, the United Nations resolutions of 1948 and 1949, which provided the basis of a possible solution of the Kashmir disputes. Neither side fully implemented those resolutions which have, to some extent, been overtaken by events. The 1972 Simla agreement represents the most recent formal agreement between India and Pakistan on the handling of the dispute. It envisages settlement through bilateral negotiations or other peaceful means mutually agreed between them. We believe this to be the best way forward.