HC Deb 08 December 1960 vol 631 cc1439-41
45. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Prime Minister whether he will take the opportunity of his forthcoming journey to Malaya to visit Japan.

The Prime Minister

As I said in the House on 15th November, I had very much hoped to visit Malaya; but I have no immediate plans to do so.

Mr. Bellenger

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the report of a very frank interview with the Foreign Secretary of Japan from The Times correspondent in Tokyo on 1st December? As the right hon. Gentleman has made an arduous journey to Moscow, does not he think that he might at least consider British interests and, perhaps, undertake this journey to the Far East, particularly as he is going to Malaya? Will not he reconsider his decision?

The Prime Minister

As I said, I am hoping to go to Malaya. I hope to visit every Commonwealth country as Prime Minister, but the immediate months are very full and will be, perhaps, very anxious. We have a Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference in March and we do not quite know how April and May will go with problems of East and West, Berlin and so forth. But I am very hopeful that I shall be able to make this visit within a reasonable time.

Mr. Ridsdale

Is my right hon. Friend aware how pleased I am to hear that he is hoping one day soon to visit Japan? After visiting that country recently, I am aware of the great friendship being offered to this country and how much they are hoping that a visit will be paid soon by a British Prime Minister to Japan.

The Prime Minister

I like making visits, but I have to be careful not to be accused of trying to miss Questions at 3.15.

Mr. Lipton

Does the right hon. Gentleman want any more suggestions about where to go?

The Prime Minister

I know the difficulty members of the party opposite have in choosing whether to go above or below the Gangway.

Sir G. Nicholson

If my right hon. Friend cannot go to Japan himself, could he consider sending some other senior Minister? Is he aware that in Japan the sentiments expressed by my hon. Friend the Member for Harwich (Mr. Ridsdale) are very deeply and widely felt?

Mr. Shinwell

If the right hon. Gentleman cannot find time to go to Malaya, would it be possible for him to visit Dr. Adenauer and discuss with him some of the subjects raised by my hon. Friends in their Questions?

The Prime Minister

I shall have regard to that suggestion.