HC Deb 06 November 1973 vol 863 cc798-9
Q1. Mr. John Fraser

asked the Prime Minister whether he will seek to pay an official visit to the Caribbean Commonwealth countries.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Edward Heath)

I have at present no plans for such a visit.

Mr. Fraser

Does the Prime Minister realise there are far too few ministerial visits to the Caribbean Commonwealth, which is traditionally friendly to this country? Does he realise the social and political instability that will be created if the Caribbean Commonwealth is no longer guaranteed a substantial proportion of cane sugar and banana imports into this country, since these products provide the main basis of employment in many Caribbean countries? Imports from them are being undercut under the present Common Market arrangements.

The Prime Minister

Of course we appreciate very well the point that the hon. Gentleman has made about the products of the Caribbean. As he knows—it was discussed in the House last month—the Commission's proposals for sugar contain what we have asked for, which is the 1.4 million tons.

At the Ottawa Conference I had the opportunity of discussing many of these and other matters in detail with the Prime Ministers of the Caribbean who were present. It is perfectly true that I have been invited to visit their countries, but unfortunately it is not possible at the moment.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

If my right hon. Friend receives an invitation to go to the Caribbean area, will he or one of his colleagues make a slight detour and go to Belize, which would very much like to see a British Minister, because of its loyalty to this country?

The Prime Minister

I shall bear my hon. Friend's suggestion in mind.