§ 13. Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied with the arrangements, which fall within his departmental responsibilities, for official visits from overseas Heads of State.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsYes, Sir. The police make appropriate arrangements for such occasions.
§ Mr. CanavanIn view of the protests by many people, including political and religious leaders of various persuasions, against torture and violations of human rights in Brazil, was it not provocative and an affront to all who believe in democracy to allow the Fascist dictator of Brazil to ride in state through the streets of London? Will my right hon. Friend reconsider the advisability of permitting this sort of shameful spectacle?
§ Mr. JenkinsAs my hon. Friend is aware this question is not primarily one for me, although I am willing to take the responsibility for answering it. The demonstrations that occurred were of a mild nature and the Commissioner of Police assures me that the policing arrangements during the State visit were not in any way abnormal, compared to arrangements for State visits from a wide range of countries. If we were to prohibit everything against which people demonstrate, nothing much would happen in this country.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantIs the Home Secretary aware that those hon. Members on both sides of the House who know enough about Brazil, unlike some hon. 1701 Members, warmly welcome the attitude that the Government have taken to the visit by President Geisel, which can do nothing but good for the cause of parliamentary democracy in Brazil and for Great Britain's trade?
§ Mr. JenkinsI am all in favour of supplementary questions ranging reasonably widely. I am in favour of not keeping my own nose too buried in the recesses of the Home Office. But the hon. Gentleman is getting much too wide of the original Question.