HC Deb 30 January 1961 vol 633 cc592-3
33. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on his visit to the Persian Gulf Protectorates; and what steps he is taking to improve British relations with the people of these territories.

Mr. Heath

Between the 11th and 19th January, I visited seven States in the Persian Gulf area, that is to say the Sultanate of Muscat and Oman, Kuwait, and the independent Sheikdoms under British protection. I discussed with the Rulers and Her Majesty's Representatives questions arising out of the relationships between Her Majesty's Government and these States.

I was also able to study economic developments in the area as well as measures taken over recent years to improve the welfare of the peoples there. I was encouraged by the interest which the Rulers are taking in this subject, although the pace of progress must vary greatly in different areas, depending on the resources which are available to them. All the Rulers emphasised to me the desire of their States to maintain their close friendship with this country and I assured them that Her Majesty's Government will continue to foster cordial relations with the peoples of these territories.

Mr. Stonehouse

Would the Minister agree that the winds of change are blowing in the Middle East as well as elsewhere in the world? What steps is he faking to encourage the development of representative institutions in the States and Sheikdoms for which we are directly responsible? Did he discuss this during his visit?

Mr. Heath

We are not directly responsible for the Sheikdoms. We have responsibility for their international relations in some cases, though not specifically in the case of Kuwait. Naturally, we wish to see that they go forward in ordered progress.

Mr. Healey

Would not the Lord Privy Seal agree that in many cases Her Majesty's Government's treaty relationships with these States are dangerously out of date, having first been contrived as a protection against piracy of British ships in that area? Can he say whether any negotiations are now under way for revising those relationships?

Mr. Heath

I have examined this question and I find that these relationships do change from time to time, and in many cases they have changed recently in accordance with the situation.