HC Deb 18 November 1965 vol 720 cc1330-1
Q3. Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Prime Minister how many official journeys abroad he has made since accepting the Queen's commission; and which countries he has visited.

The Prime Minister

Seven, Sir, to the United States and Canada, to Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Rhodesia. Cm the Rhodesian visit I also called in at Cyprus, Kenya, Zambia, Nigeria, Ghana and Gibraltar.

Mr. Griffiths

While appreciating the assistance of the Prime Minister in visiting Rhodesia, may I refer to his previous scripts referring to bridge-building in Vienna, and knocking hell out of the Americans? Can he put his finger on a single practical achievement, other than headlines?

The Prime Minister

So far as bridge-building is concerned in Europe, it was not even attempted in the previous two or three years between E.F.T.A. and E.E.C. That is correct. This matter has been pushed further at the meeting at Copenhagen. But the hon. Gentleman will recognise the difficulties caused by dissension between the Six on these matters. With regard to the question of the Americans, this can be done when all our exporters are doing as well as the best ones.

Mr. Lipton

Was not the information contained in my right hon. Friend's original reply already fairly well known? Why was it necessary to ask this question?