HC Deb 13 March 1969 vol 779 cc1556-7
Q2. Mr. Marten

asked the Prime Minister when he next proposes to pay an official visit to the United States of America.

The Prime Minister

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to my reply to a Question by my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hector Hughes) on Thursday, 6th March.—[Vol. 779, c. 159.]

Mr. Marten

When the right hon. Gentleman does go, will he take the opportunity of visiting the international monetary authorities in America? Will he give them an assurance that Her Majesty's Government have no intention whatever of rephasing the overseas debt which they have incurred in such a way as to place an extra burden on the successor Government after the next General Election?

The Prime Minister

Usually when I go to the United States on an official visit I take the opportunity of visiting the representatives of the International Monetary Fund.

The latter part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question is for my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who, I hope, will himself be visiting Washington before too long. The hon. Gentleman can then no doubt put that question to him.

I recall how much difficulty we had through the inheritance of such a large deficit—[Interruption.]—which involved substantial borrowing, the first repayment of which was made last month out of revenue.

Mr. Raphael Tuck

Is my right hon. Friend aware of a growing body of opinion in this country, the United States and Canada in favour of an open free trade association? Will he canvass this with the President of the United States when he next goes to America?

The Prime Minister

I am aware that a number of hon. Members and many people outside are interested in this proposition. I have not heard anything in my recent discussions, including the visit of the President, to suggest that this is something which, if canvassed, would be likely to become an early reality.