asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on progress in Her Majesty's Government's initiative concerning the neutralisation of Afghanistan ; and if he will list the Governments with whom he has been in contact.

The proposal is for a neutral and non-aligned Afghanistan not for neutralisation which implies a solution imposed against the will of the Afghan people. It has been discussed with a great many But throughout that period Britain has made an important contribution to world stability, and will continue to do so.