Oral Answers to Questions — Summit Conference

– in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 2 December 1958.

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Photo of Mr Stephen Swingler Mr Stephen Swingler , Newcastle-under-Lyme 12:00, 2 December 1958

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the recent official statement of the Soviet Prime Minister, he will now revive the proposal for summit talks, for the purpose of promoting a higher degree of understanding between the leaders of the Governments of the Great Powers and endeavouring to lay the bases for peaceful settlements of outstanding problems.

Photo of Mr Harold Macmillan Mr Harold Macmillan , Bromley

I have nothing to add at present to the reply which I gave to the right hon. and learned Gentleman the Member for Rowley Regis and Tipton (Mr. A. Henderson) on 25th November.

Photo of Mr Stephen Swingler Mr Stephen Swingler , Newcastle-under-Lyme

As the Prime Minister then expressed himself in favour of entering summit talks given proper preparation, as the situation has radically changed since the last correspondence in August, the centre of gravity having moved from Bagdad to Berlin, and as the Prime Minister has now resumed correspondence with Mr. Khrushchev, cannot we say that the time has come for a British initiative in this matter? Is not the Prime Minister himself willing to suggest a meeting of the heads of States early in the New Year for the purpose of discussing those subjects which have been raked over for so long?

Photo of Mr Harold Macmillan Mr Harold Macmillan , Bromley

All those considerations will certainly be borne in mind.