§ 44. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs by what means he ascertains the presence of, or absence of, any British subjects in Tibet.
§ Mr. ProfumoHer Majesty's Government have no official representation in Tibet, but in the case of a territory so difficult of access it is most unlikely that any citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies would get there without Her Majesty's Government hearing of it. As I stated in my reply on 7th April to my hon. Friend the Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Mr. Teeling), none is known to be there at present.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Minister of State aware that the British Army once got to this inaccessible place—to Lhasa? But how does he keep informed on events in Tibet? Is he aware that the Chinese are saying that they are only following the precedent of a British army that entered and interfered there? Who is qualified to reply to that?
§ Mr. ProfumoThe hon. Gentleman really must look at the Question he puts down. If he wants a different Answer he 30 must put down a different Question. He asked how Her Majesty's Government knew about British subjects being in Tibet, and I have answered that Question.