HC Deb 02 April 1974 vol 871 cc1090-1
Q5. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Prime Minister if he will invite the Australian Prime Minister on an official visit to London.

The Prime Minister

I look forward to seeing Mr. Whitlam when he comes to London this summer.

Mr. Dalyell

At least until June, when Mr. Whitlam goes to Moscow to discuss with the Russians the possibility of a zone of peace in the Indian Ocean, could a brake be put on the development of coral atoll bases, such as Diego Garcia?

The Prime Minister

I do not know the exact date when Mr. Whitlam will be coming to London, or whether it will be before or after his visit to Moscow, but I shall be discussing these matters with him and I am in touch already. The Government have to consider the situation in the light of discussions during the time of the previous Government, and the proposal for the zone of peace in the Indian Ocean is very much in our minds.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Whatever a "zone of peace" exactly means, will the right hon. Gentleman encourage Mr. Whitlam in the good work of collective Commonwealth defence in South-East Asia?

The Prime Minister

When the defence review is further advanced we hope to have discussions with Mr. Whitlam on all questions of defence in South-East Asia.