§ 60. Mr. A. Boyleasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the discussions he had during his recent visit to the Far East on the position in Brunei.
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. George Thomson)My right hon. Friend did not discuss the position in Brunei with any of the authorities whom he saw during his visits.
§ Mr. RoyleWill the right hon. Gentle. man give an assurance that no approach will be made or has been made to the Sultan of Brunei suggesting that the defence agreement be annulled? Will he also give an assurance that no approach was made during the past two months?
§ Mr. ThomsonBrunei is a separate State bound to the United Kingdom by bilateral treaty arrangement. It is not part of any of the countries my right hon. Friend visited and which were the subject of the hon. Gentleman's Question. Detailed questions about Brunei should be directed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations.
§ Mr. BoyleIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.