HC Deb 13 October 1969 vol 788 cc28-9
37. Sir R. Russell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his recent visit to Canada.

Mr. M. Stewart

During my visit to Canada in September, as guest of the Canadian Government, I had useful and stimulating discussions with the Prime Minister, Mr. Trudeau, and the Secretary of State for External Affairs, Mr. Sharp. I also met a number of other Ministers and called on the Governor-General in Ottawa. I was also able to pay brief visits to Montreal and Toronto.

Sir R. Russell

Did the Canadians express any strong feelings towards the Commonwealth, as they have done in the past? Did they express any anxiety about the possibility of our joining the Common Market?

Mr. Stewart

They naturally expressed interest in our application. They have shown sympathetic understanding in the matter and they are also naturally concerned about the effects of this application on their interests.

Mr. Braine

Was the subject of Canadian help with relief operations in Nigeria discussed? The right hon. Gentleman will recall that the Canadian Government expressed a readiness to help in this connection. Was the subject discussed?

Mr. Stewart

Yes, Sir. The subject did come up. It was not able to take any great length of time, but if on any future occasion we and they are able to do anything useful together we shall certainly do it.