HC Deb 18 May 1965 vol 712 cc1191-2
9. Mr. Hamling

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what representations he has now made to the countries concerned about the frontier dispute between India and Pakistan.

13. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what consultations he has had with other Commonwealth countries with a view to the improvement of relations between India and Pakistan; and if he will make a statement.

14. Mr. Ennals

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will make a further statement concerning the progress of his negotiations with India and Pakistan on the dispute in the Rann of Kutch.

Mr. Bottomley

Efforts to bring about a settlement of this conflict are still continuing. I am hopeful that they will soon be successful, but, in view of the delicacy of the situation, I would prefer not to add anything at this stage to the statement which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister made to the House on 5th May.

Mr. Ennals

Is my right hon. Friend aware how grateful we are to him and to his colleagues for mediating in this dispute? Can he give any assurance to the House that weapons which have been supplied to either side by this country have not been used in this conflict?

Mr. Bottomley

I have received no reports of British weapons of any kind being used in this conflict.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Does not this dispute arise from the ill-feeling between the two countries which is caused by the longstanding Kashmir dispute? Since Her Majesty's Government have, very rightly, taken the initiative in attempting to help to settle this problem of the Rann of Kutch, will they also consider doing what they can in the future to try to clear up the Kashmir disagreement?

Mr. Bottomley

While recognising the truth of what was contained in the earlier part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, I can only repeat what the last Government did and what the present Government do. If we can in any way help either country to bring about a settlement of this dispute, our services are always available.

Later—

Mr. Dempsey

On a point of order. Was Question No. 13 called?

Mr. Speaker

Yes; it was answered with Question No. 9. I looked at the hon. Gentleman, but in view of the Minister's Answer I thought that he was deliberately abstaining.

Mr. Dempsey

I understood that Question No. 14 was called with Question No. 9, but I did not hear Question No. 13 called.

Mr. Speaker

I can only hope that the Secretary of State will be able to support what I say. I had that impression.

Mr. Bottomley

Yes; Question No. 13 was answered with Question No. 9.

Mr. Speaker

We cannot go back now.