§ Q3. Mr. Pardoeasked the Prime Minister if he will seek to pay an official visit to the People's Republic of China.
§ The Prime MinisterI have at present no plans to do so.
§ Mr. PardoeIs the Prime Minister aware that China's recent emergence as a fully fledged world Power prepared to play her part in the concourse of nations is not only a great turning point in history but offers a massive opportunity and that, in spite of President Nixon's visit, there are real limitations to an improvement in relations between the United States and China? What action does the Prime Minister intend to take to ensure that this opportunity for a real leap forward in Sino-British relations does not go by the board?
§ The Prime MinisterSuccessive British Governments have been aware of the points that the hon. Gentleman has made. It was a Labour Government who recognised Peking in 1950. I am glad to say that relations with Peking have improved considerably in the last year and that we are discussing the question of our diplomatic representation with the Chinese Government.
§ Mr. GorstWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind, nevertheless, that the sister of one of my constituents has been imprisoned or detained in China without any information being given to her family and that such treatment of former British subjects does nothing to enhance a possible improvement in relations between this country and China?
§ The Prime MinisterOf course, there are these difficulties and we should like to sort them out. The talks that we are having at the moment may be helpful in that way.
§ Mr. MaclennanWhat progress has been made with what Mr. Chou En-Lai described as a major stumbling block to the alteration of our diplomatic relations, namely, the attitude of the British Government towards the future of Taiwan?
§ The Prime MinisterThis is a matter that we are discussing with Mr. Chou En-Lai's Government.