HC Deb 05 April 1962 vol 657 cc620-1
11. Mr. Dugdale

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he will increase the number of visits sponsored by Her Majesty's Government from Commonwealth countries to the United Kingdom.

Mr. Sandys

The number of sponsored visits has been increased and we are examining the possibility of increasing it further.

Mr. Dugdale

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, for example, from Ghana only fifteen people came on sponsored visits, that it is thought that sixty at least might come with great advantage to the United Kingdom, and that during the past year no fewer than 500 Ghanaians were invited to Communist countries? Is he satisfied that we should lag quite so far behind in this and, indeed, in other cases?

Mr. Sandys

Of course, I am very keenly aware of the importance of these visits, but like many other things it is just a question of money.

Mr. Fisher

Would my right hon. Friend urge the Treasury to allow more visits by hon. Members of this House to the Commonwealth? Would he not agree that this is the best way, and, in most cases, the only way, in which Members of Parliament can take an informed interest in the problems of the Commonwealth?

Mr. Sandys

I have every sympathy with my hon. Friend's question.

Mr. Healey

While agreeing with the point made by the hon. Gentleman the Member for Surbiton (Mr. Fisher), may I reinforce the plea made by my right hon. Friend the Member for West Bromwich (Mr. Dugdale)? Is the Commonwealth Secretary aware that, for example, from Nigeria, a country with 40 million inhabitants, only twelve persons visited this country last year under these arrangements? I think that all of us on both sides of the House would wish the right hon. Gentleman to use his maximum persuasive powers in order to get a substantial increase in these types of visits.

Mr. Sandys

I am glad of the hon. Gentleman's support.