HC Deb 10 July 1973 vol 859 cc1257-8
Q6. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Prime Minister if he will now invite the Prime Minister of New Zealand to make an official visit to London.

The Prime Minister

As I told the hon. Gentleman on 3rd April, Mr. Kirk is always welcome here. There are, however, no arrangements for a visit at present.—[Vol. 854, c. 227.]

Mr. Dalyell

What explanation would the right hon. Gentleman give to Mr. Kirk about why he has been so inhibited in using his undoubted personal position with President Pompidou on the subject of nuclear testing?

The Prime Minister

As Mr. Kirk does not take the view that I have been inhibited, no explanation is necessary.

Sir G. Nabarro

Has my right hon. Friend observed this morning that the New Zealand frigate sent by the New Zealand Government to observe the nuclear explosions was 45 miles from the site? As this is an exceedingly dangerous international development, may I ask what action my right hon. Friend proposes to take to influence the future course of action by the French Government?

The Prime Minister

The decision to send the frigate is entirely one for the New Zealand Government. They must be aware of any dangers that there may be in the area, and I cannot interfere with their responsibility.

Mr. Harold Wilson

Unless the right hon. Gentleman is in a position to repudiate the account in The Times of the bestialities committed in Mozambique, would he not be wise to cancel the Portuguese Prime Minister's visit and substitute the Prime Minister of New Zealand?

The Prime Minister

The answer to that is, "No, Sir." If ever there was an abuse of a question by the Leader of the Opposition, that was it.