§ Q6. Mr. Carterasked the Prime Minister if he will invite the Head of State of the People's Republic of China to pay an official visit to Great Britain.
§ Q9. Mr. Dalyellasked the Prime Minister if he will now invite the Chinese 1023 Prime Minister to pay an official visit to Great Britain.
§ The Prime MinisterI have at present no plans to do so.
§ Mr. CarterWould not the Prime Minister agree that, as China represents potentially the biggest single market in the world, Britain and China should between them conduct a far higher level of trade than they do? To this end, will he try to institute trade missions between the two countries?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. But the hon. Gentleman's Question referred to a visit by the Head of State. I understand that, technically, at the moment there is no Head of State in China, so that in the circumstances there cannot be a question of a State visit between Heads of State. But I agree with the hon. Gentleman on the last part of his supplementary question. It is our desire to see as rapid an expansion of trade as possible. Three Chinese trade missions are in this country and four British trade missions are either visiting China or are about to go there. I hope that that will greatly encourage trade between our two countries.
§ Mr. DalyellAt a time when American B52 bombers are pouring bombs on North Vietnam and there is fighting in South Vietnam, how would the Prime Minister define to Mr. Chou En-lai or anyone else Britain's rôle as co-Chairman of the Geneva Conference?
§ The Prime MinisterThat has nothing whatever to do with this Question.