HC Deb 20 May 1971 vol 817 cc1513-4
Q2. Mr. Peter Archer

asked the Prime Minister if he will seek to make a further official visit to the United Nations.

Mr. Maudling

I have been asked to reply.

My right hon. Friend visited the United Nations last October on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. He has at present no plans for a further visit.

Mr. Archer

Is not the Prime Minister concerned to arrest the decline in British prestige at the United Nations occasioned by the Government's policies on South Africa and immigration? If the question arises of the British seat in the Security Council, may we not find that we have too many enemies and too few friends?

Mr. Maudling

I do not accept either of the premises in that supplementary question. I do not agree that our prestige in the United Nations is falling. I certainly do not agree that our permanent membership of the Security Council is in question.