HC Deb 28 June 1961 vol 643 c427
15. Mr. Jeger

asked the Lord Privy Seal what were the complaints of the British and Foreign Bible Society in Spain which were the subject of discussions between the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and the Spanish Government; and whether there is now an improvement in the position.

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Edward Heath)

The Society itself is forbidden to hold and distribute Bibles in Spain. This subject was discussed during the visit of my noble Friend to Madrid last month, and Her Majesty's Ambassador is again in touch with the Spanish authorities about it.

Mr. Jeger

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the Question? Has there been any improvement in the position?

Mr. Heath

There is no actual improvement in the position.

Mr. Jeger

Is religious intolerance, which is part of the police state in Spain, one of the shining examples which the Prime Minister would like us to copy in this country?

Mr. Heath

I do not think that the task of trying to improve things for the British and Foreign Bible Society will be helped by supplementary questions of that kind.