HC Deb 19 July 1973 vol 860 cc708-9
Q6. Mr. Adley

asked the Prime Minister if he will seek to pay an official visit to Albania.

Q10. Miss Joan Hall

asked the Prime Minister if he will seek to pay an official visit to Tirana.

The Prime Minister

I have no plans to visit Albania.

Mr. Adley

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the recent visit to this country by Cardinal Mindszenty and the words of Cardinal Heenan should remind all of us in this House, especially those on the Opposition benches, of the reasons why Mr. Ernest Bevin made the decision that he did about diplomatic relations with Albania? When certain hon. Gentlemen seek to criticise allied countries might they be reminded of and put into perspective the difference between certain countries with which we do not have diplomatic relations and the way of life to which we have grown accustomed, which may be subject to criticism, but which, by comparison with countries like Albania, has a great deal to commend it?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir.

Miss Hall

With the increasing dialogue with China and increasing visits and trade, China is the one country which has influence over Albania. Will my right hon. Friend therefore try to get for us more trade with Albania as that might at least allow a country that prides itself on being so Socialist to be more human?

The Prime Minister

We are always prepared to increase trade right across the world and we are prepared to increase trade, if possible, with Albania.

Mr. Kaufman

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. When we had a number of linked Questions on Tuesday, you made a point of calling—

Mr. Speaker

Order. That is not a point of order.