HC Deb 08 May 1956 vol 552 cc1009-10
47. Mr. Harold Davies

asked the Prime Minister if he will now extend an invitation to the Prime Minister of the Chinese People's Republic to visit Britain.

The Prime Minister

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Gentleman the Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Emrys Hughes) on 29th November last year.

Mr. Davies

I have not been able to look up the reply given on that occasion. In view of the fact that the Chairman of the National Chinese Congress was kind enough to invite an all-party delegation to the Chinese People's Republic, will the Prime Minister assure the House that when it is possible and practical he will consider extending an invitation to the Chinese People's Republic to visit this country?

The Prime Minister

I thought that answer received the general acceptance of the House. It has been our constant policy to work towards an improvement in relations with the Government of China, but I did not think the time had yet come when it would be appropriate to pursue this particular idea.

Mr. Steele

In view of the number of invitations which are being sent out, would it not be better for the Prime Minister to have cards printed to be "At Home" every Tuesday about four o'clock?