HC Deb 03 May 1965 vol 711 cc891-2
1. Mr. Blaker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his recent visits to Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia.

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Michael Stewart)

My visits to Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia were at the invitation of the respective Ministers for Foreign Affairs. I welcomed this opportunity to meet and exchange views on a wide range of topics with representatives of the two Governments. In both countries I found a lively interest in strengthening co-operation between us, particularly in the technical and economic field.

I am arranging for copies of the communiqués issued in Belgrade and Prague to be placed in the Library of the House.

Mr. Blaker

Is the Secretary of State aware that it has been reported that at his Press conference in Prague he made a number of party political points? Does not he agree that this is a departure from the practice usually adopted by Ministers when travelling abroad?

Mr. Stewart

I do not accept that. In any case, there is a later Question on that.

Mr. Warbey

When my right hon. Friend was in Prague, did he receive a copy of the important statement made by Prime Minister Pham Van Dong on behalf of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in reply to President Johnson's speech, in the course of which he advanced Hanoi's views of a political settlement and the basis for a conference?

Mr. Stewart

I have seen that statement. I do not recall whether it reached me when I was in Prague or at some other point. My hon. Friend has a Question for Written Answer on this matter.

Mr. Peter Thomas

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he is reported as having said in Prague that he would welcome a conference on European security? Can he say anything more about that?

Mr. Stewart

I also said that I thought that there were certain conditions that have to be met for that and that it would require careful preparation.