HC Deb 01 July 1969 vol 786 cc238-9
Q6. Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Prime Minister why a Minister representing the Foreign and Commonwealth Office was not present at the Five Power Conference in Canberra.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

I have been asked to reply.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence represented the United Kingdom Government at these talks. It was not considered necessary to send a Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister as well.

Mr. Griffiths

Since, in addition to its Defence Minister, every other nation present was represented either by its Prime Minister or Foreign Minister, or both, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the British representation lacked weight and comprehensiveness? Has he seen the recent Soviet statements that British withdrawals are creating a vacuum? Does not he think that the political and diplomatic aspects required to be discussed at Canberra?

Mr. Jenkins

I am not sure that the hon. Gentleman is accurate on the facts of his premise. I think that Malaysia was represented by its Defence Minister, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, but not Prime Minister or Foreign Minister. However, this country was certainly very fully and powerfully represented by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence, and where he is present he does not create a vacuum.