HC Deb 22 February 1961 vol 635 cc495-6
17. Mr. Donnelly

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will give details of Her Majesty's Government's new policy towards the seating of the Peking Government in the United Nations.

Mr. Heath

I have nothing to add to what I told the House on 8th February and to what was said in another place on that day.

Mr. Donnelly

Could the right hon. Gentleman be a little less baleful and bashful? Is he not aware that for once he has the support of the Marquis of Salisbury? Could he tell us whether the Government are going to vote for or against the admission of the Peking Government to the United Nations?

Mr. Heath

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will wait until the matter arises.

Mr. S. Silverman

Will not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the situation will not be improved by repeating his parrot cries?

Mr. Heath

That is a quite different matter. The position has been, as we have stated in the House since the debate on the Address in this Session, that the realities of political life meant that the Peking Administration should have a seat in the United Nations, but the debate has hitherto been on a moratorium and whether this division would split the United Nations. That still remains the position until we can see the situation when the matter comes up again at the Assembly in the autumn.

Mr. Donnelly

In view of the grossly unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.

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