§ 13. Mr. Dribergasked the Lord Privy Seal why permission has been refused for a visit to England by the Berliner Ensemble; and if he will reconsider this decision.
§ Mr. HeathThe Ensemble has not, in fact, applied for the necessary travel documents for such a visit. But it is the general policy of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation at present not to grant travel facilities to East German visitors of this sort.
§ Mr. DribergWith regard to the first part of that reply, is it not the case that arrangements were made for such a visit? Is it not just dodging the question to say that they have not applied?
§ Mr. HeathNo, Sir—not at all. I am not aware of what arrangements were made for the visit. The information I have is that they have not applied for the necessary travel documents for them to make the visit.
§ Mr. DribergIf they do, can the right hon. Gentleman assure us that they will be granted permission?
§ Mr. HeathIn the second part of my Answer—which, perhaps, the hon. Gentleman did not appreciate—I said that it is the general policy not to grant travel facilities for East German visitors of that kind.
§ Mr. DribergIs not that extremely silly?