HC Deb 11 April 1951 vol 486 cc1001-2
25. Mr. Blackburn

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on how many occasions His Majesty's representative in Peking has been received by the Chinese Government; and what was the effect of the last interview.

Mr. H. Morrison

Fourteen. The last occasion was on the 8th March when Mr. L. H. Lamb, who has succeeded Sir John Hutchison as His Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires, had an initial interview with the Chinese Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs. The question of our relations with China was reviewed in general terms.

Mr. Blackburn

In view of the barbaric attitude of the present Chinese Government towards its own people, who are being publicly executed in hundreds, will the right hon. Gentleman give a categorical assurance that His Majesty's Government will not undertake any conversations on the subject of Formosa behind the backs of the United States and of the United Nations?

Mr. Morrison

If I may say so, I think that is a little unrealistic and I had better not give such an undertaking.

Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaite

Is the Foreign Secretary satisfied that our representative in Peking is obtaining proper access to any British prisoners who may be in Chinese hands?

Mr. Morrison

That question had better be put down; I would not like to answer it at the moment.

Mr. Blackburn

Are His Majesty's Government considering appeasement on the subject of Formosa? [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"] Surely we are entitled to an answer.

Mr. Morrison

With great respect, the hon. Member is not entitled to information on matters about which he has not put Questions on the Order Paper.

Air Commodore Harvey

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what was the outcome of the last discussion which took place between the Minister and the British representative?

Mr. Morrison

No. Sir.

Hon. Members

Answer.

Air Commodore Harvey

On a point of order. With great respect, I put a question to the Foreign Secretary—[HON. MEMBERS: "He answered."]—I am addressing Mr. Speaker—I put a question to the Foreign Secretary which was quite relevant to the original Question. May I have a reply please?

Mr. Morrison

It is quite within my discretion whether I reply or not. As a matter of fact I did reply.

Air Commodore Harvey

What was the reply?