HC Deb 03 April 1946 vol 421 cc1219-20
1. Mr. Glossop

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what mutual arrangements exist to enable citizens of U.S.S.R. to make short visits to the United Kingdom to study our health and educational services and to inspect farms and livestock-breeding establishments; and for similar visits from this country to U.S.S.R.

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ernest Bevin)

There are no standing arrangements. On various occasions proposals have been made to the Soviet authorities for the establishment of regular contacts between those in the two countries concerned in scientific, medical and educational matters, including exchanges of visits. The Soviet Government have hitherto appeared to prefer to treat each individual case separately.

Mr. Glossop

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider making representations so that these visits can be made, to develop education and farming in these countries?

Mr. Bevin

I am afraid there is no possible chance of altering the Soviet Government's policy to treat each case separately.