asked the Prime Minister when he expects to visit the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

I have been asked to reply.

My right hon. Friend has been in touch with the Soviet Government since the visit to Moscow of my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, when, as he has already informed the House, progress was made on this question. I should however prefer not to say anything about the proposed visit until we can make a joint announcement.

What does the Prime Minister expect to achieve in Moscow that his right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary failed to achieve? Is there not a danger that as Ministers go off more often and achieve less than ever before, the value of these Ministerial visits will certainly cheapen in the world? Ought there not to be much more preparation?

The hon. Gentleman should not be so miserable. The first visit, that of my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, achieved a good deal, and we are looking forward to a good deal being achieved by the Prime Minister's visit. I am sure that he would be encouraged in that by the wishes of all, or at least most, hon. Members opposite.