HC Deb 31 July 1974 vol 878 cc791-2
19. Mr. Douglas Henderson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he intends to pay a visit to Caracas to attend the Law of the Sea Conference.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

My right hon. Friend has no plans to do so.

Mr. Henderson

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply. Will he bear in mind that an undertaking was given at Question Time previously that if the circumstances warranted it the Secretary of State would consider the possibility of visiting Caracas?

Will the Under-Secretary tell us what plans he has for keeping hon. Members informed of progress and developments there, in so far as they relate to Scotland? Will he reiterate the undertaking that, if he thinks it desirable, he will attend the conference?

Mr. Brown

If hon. Members keep up pressure, I dare say I can be tempted to visit the conference. It appears to be lasting a considerable time.

Hon. Members will appreciate that after the initial opening statement by Government representatives, most of the discussions on a wide variety of topics have taken place at official level. The hon. Member will appreciate that Scottish interests are well represented and will be well looked after.

Naturally, I can give the assurance that, since this is an important conference, it will be for the House in future to find ways and means of discussing any of the ideas or recommendations that come from it.