asked the Prime Minister (1) if he will invite the heads of the Russian and Chinese Governments to a representative international conference in Britain to discuss international disarmament and peace;

(2) if he is aware that the Prime Minister of China has invited President Johnson of the United States of America to take part in a world summit conference to abolish nuclear weapons; if he has received a similar invitation; and what action he proposes to take.

I have received a message from the Chinese Prime Minister, proposing that a summit conference of all countries be convened to discuss nuclear disarmament. This message is being studied and Her Majesty's Government are consulting with other friendly Governments.

Has the Prime Minister any evidence that the Chinese Government have modified their view of the inevitability of war between the Capitalist and Communist countries—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh"]—Oh, yes—and is it not this belief that is making it impossible for the Americans to co-operate in any general disarmament until the Chinese Government have repudiated that belief that war is inevitable?

I certainly have not received any message from the Chinese Prime Minister reiterating that view.

If the right hon. Gentleman hopes to have negotiations in the near future, will he see that there is a Foreign Secretary in the House to answer Questions?

I have said that we are consulting other friendly Governments on the reply that should be sent to the Chinese Prime Minister's proposals.

With your permission, Mr. Speaker, owing to the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg leave to give notice that I should like to raise the matter on the Adjournment.