§ Q7. Mr. Molloyasked the Prime Minister if he will seek to pay an official visit to Australia.
§ The Prime MinisterI have at present no plans to do so, Sir.
§ Mr. MolloyOught not the Prime Minister to have plans to do so and to indicate to the President of France that he is not his lapdog but is prepared to talk to the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand and pledge our full support for their opposition to the plans of the President of France to poison the atmosphere around their coasts, saying quite clearly that we stand by the Australians and New Zealanders and are opposed to the French President's policy?
§ The Prime MinisterDuring the last few weeks, I have had detailed discussions with the Prime Minister of Australia and the Deputy Prime Minister in London. What is more, both Governments have made their representations direct to President Pompidou in Paris.
§ Mr. LoughlinIs it not possible for the Prime Minister to do something more? Does he not accept that our kith and kin in Australia and New Zealand—I am using terms acceptable to the right hon. Gentleman—are in serious danger as a consequence of the nuclear explosion proposed by France? Would not it be better if we in the House, through the Prime Minister, expressed in no uncertain terms our absolute abhorrence of the actions of the French Government?
§ The Prime MinisterI have told the House constantly that the French Government are well aware of the views of 864 the present British Government, as they were aware of the views of our predecessors.
§ Mr. William PriceIf the Prime Minister changes his mind and goes to Australia, will he stop off in Rugby on the way and explain to the housewives in my constituency why prices have risen by 35 per cent. since he was elected?
§ The Prime MinisterIf the hon. Gentleman had any information about the movement of world prices, he would be able to do that for himself.