HC Deb 17 July 1974 vol 877 cc433-4
12. Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to develop and foster relations between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of China.

Mr. Ennals

We attach great importance to the maintenance of good relations with the Chinese Government, and yesterday my right hon. Friend opened the Great Britain-China Centre in London. We look forward to continuing contacts at all levels between our two countries.

Mr. Adley

In the light of that answer, is it not a matter of satisfaction that the Chinese Government firmly support the European Economic Community and Britain's position in it—in contradistinction to the attitude of the USSR? Will the right hon. Gentleman take an early opportunity of talking to the Secretary of State for Defence to see whether positive steps forward may be made on the question of the sale of the Harrier aircraft to the Government of China?

Mr. Ennals

The hon. Gentleman may be in some confusion about the nature of the referendum that has been suggested concerning the Common Market. It is not intended to be a world referendum, asking all nations to decide our future. It will be decided by the people of this country. I can tell the hon. Gentleman that no firm proposals have been put to the Government about the Harrier.

Mr. Roy Hughes

Does my right hon. Friend not agree that both the Conservative and Liberal Parties are prepared for the Chinese Government or any Commonwealth Government to have a say on the question whether we should remain in the Common Market or come out, but they are reluctant to allow the people of this country the final decision?

Mr. Ennals

That is my impression. On a number of occasions I have heard my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister seeking to secure from the Leader of the Opposition an assurance that he believes that the people should have the right to decide this. My right hon. Friend has failed to get a satisfactory answer. We know where we stand. I believe that the British public will demand the right to a say in this matter and will not pay much respect to those parties which believe that those who sit in Westminster are always right.