HC Deb 26 July 1966 vol 732 cc1421-2
19. Mr. Colin Jackson

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations when he proposes to visit Pakistan and India.

Mr. Bottomley

I have no immediate plans for visiting either country but greatly hope that, subject to the convenience of the Governments concerned, I may have the opportunity to do so before too long.

Mr. Jackson

Will my right hon. Friend remember that many sympathetic voices in New Delhi feel that, after his visits to Africa, Canada, Australia and Malaysia, it is about time India had a visit from a representative of Her Majesty's Government?

Mr. Bottomley

There have been other visitors from Her Majesty's Government. Lord Walston was there recently. I have been fortunate enough to have had meetings with many Indian and Pakistan Ministers during recent weeks.

Mr. Arnold Shaw

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is important that he should take the earliest opportunity to improve relations with the Ministers of India and Pakistan?

Mr. Bottomley

This is a matter best left to both of them. We can only encourage where it is possible to do so.