§ Q8. Dr. GodmanTo ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with President Bush about the implications of that section of the State Department Authorization Act 1991 which relates to Tibet and the position of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in exile.
§ The Prime MinisterNone, Sir.
§ Dr. GodmanThe United States Congress, by way of that Act, holds to the view that Tibet is an occupied country whose true representatives are the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in exile. It would appear, would it not, that President Bush also has that perception, as he signed that Act on 28 October? Does the Prime Minister share the belief that Tibet is an occupied country whose true representatives are the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in exile?
§ The Prime MinisterTibet has never been internationally recognised as an independent country. No country in the world regards Tibet as independent now. Having said that, we have taken every opportunity, including my recent visit to China, to set out our concerns about the way in which Tibetans are treated and to urge that they have proper human rights.
§ Mr. Quentin DaviesWhile rejoicing with the rest of the civilised world at the release of Terry Waite and the other hostages—[Interruption.]
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The question is about Tibet.