HC Deb 23 July 1951 vol 491 c31
48. Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what qualifications Sir John Pratt has which make him a suitable person to represent the Foreign Office on the Universities' China Committee.

Mr. Younger

Sir John Pratt had direct personal experience of China over a period of 27 years and on leaving China continued advising on Chinese affairs in the Foreign Office until 1938.

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

As Sir John Pratt's views on Far Eastern affairs at the present time are exactly contrary to what are alleged to be those of His Majesty's Government and the United Nations, does not the hon. Gentleman think it time that a change was made in the Foreign Office representation on this Committee?

Mr. Younger

I am sure that the hon. Member would appreciate that the position which this gentleman has held was concerned with essentially non-political activities. My right hon. Friend was very reluctant to connect that with Sir John Pratt's political opinions as recently expressed. At the same time, it is now a very long time since Sir John Pratt left China and, taking that in conjunction with recent events, he has decided that there should be a change in representation.

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

Will this also be extended to Sir John Pratt's duties as a representative on the Board of the School of Oriental Studies?

Mr. Younger

So far as I know that has nothing to do with it, but I should like to look into it.