HC Deb 05 August 1947 vol 441 c1264
Mr. Speaker

I have to inform the House—and a similar statement is, I understand, being made in another place—that it has been widely felt that, as nearly two years have elapsed since the war was concluded, it would be appropriate for a Parliametnary Delegation from the United Kingdom to pay a visit to China, our wartime Ally. The Chinese Government share these feelings and have intimated that they would warmly welcome such a delegation to visit China in October. His Majesty's Government for their part, cordially endorse the proposal. The Lord Chancellor and I were accordingly asked to select six Members for this purpose, two from the House of Lords and four from the House of Commons. The following have accepted the proposals to be members of the delegation:

  • The Lord Ammon.
  • The Lord Amulree.
  • The hon. Member for East Bradford (Mr. McLeavy).
  • The hon. Member for East Nottingham (Mr. Harrison).
  • The hon. Member for North Cumberland (Mr. W. Roberts).
  • The hon. Member for Solihull (Mr. M. Lindsay).
The House will recall that a previous delegation from Parliament visited China during the autumn of 1942, in the darkest days of the war, and it will, I am sure, welcome this further visit as evidence of the continued interest shown by the Parliament and people of this country in China and will wish the members of the delegation every success in the discharge of this their mission of goodwill.