HC Deb 13 February 1969 vol 777 cc1563-5
Q2. Sir Knox Cunningham

asked the Prime Minister what progress he has made in his discussions for a meeting with the President of the United States of America.

Q3. Mr. Molloy

asked the Prime Minister if dates have now been finalised for his meeting with the President of the United States of America; and if he will make a statement.

Q7. Mr. Turton

asked the Prime Minister what steps he has taken to seek an opportunity to discuss with the President of the United States of America the problems of world finance and world trade.

Mr. M. Stewart

I have been asked to reply.

I would refer to the answer my right hon. Friend gave on Tuesday to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Faversham (Mr. Boston).—[Vol. 777, c. 289–90.]

Sir Knox Cunningham

While the whole country welcomes with real pleasure the visit of the President to this country, may I ask the Secretary of State whether he can say if it is true that at this stage a visit by the Prime Minister to Washington was not welcomed?

Mr. Stewart

No. That seems a very silly statement by the hon. Gentleman. I am glad that he is pleased that President Nixon is coming here.

Sir Knox Cunningham

I am very pleased.

Mr. Stewart

It is nice to find that the hon. Gentleman is pleased about something.

Mr. Molloy

Will my right hon. Friend convey to the Prime Minister the feelings of many people in this country about the protracted negotiations in Paris to seek a peace solution in Vietnam, and will he offer his help? Will my right hon. Friend also draw the attention of the President of the United States to the deep feelings in this country about our apparently having to be compelled to associate ourselves with the vulgar régime in Greece?

Mr. Stewart

I have no doubt that Vietnam will be one of the subjects discussed and that we shall be discussing the problems of N.A.T.O. I think we are all concerned that the fastest progress should be made in the Paris talks and if at any time our position as co-Chairman enables us to help in this matter we shall certainly do so.

Mr. Turton

Will the right hon. Gentleman convey to the Prime Minister that any joint initiative such as suggested by the Atlantic Trade Study Group towards a solution of the world's trade and finance problems would meet with general support in the country?

Mr. Stewart

I shall convey that view to the Prime Minister. These matters are a topic of continuing importance both for the United States and for ourselves, and we shall be glad to have an exchange of views with the new President.

Mr. Boston

Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is an excellent thing that this meeting is taking place so speedily? Does he also agree that the speech last week by President Nixon in favour of encouraging freer trade is very welcome indeed, and does not this lend support to the idea that more consideration should be given to alternatives such as the Atlantic free trade proposal?

Mr. Stewart

I do not accept the implication at the end of my hon. Friend's question, but I am glad that he referred to President Nixon's recent speech, which has been welcomed everywhere.