§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions are taking place with the Government of India regarding a revision of the Commonwealth travel agreement.]
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (LORD SHEPHERD)My Lords, no discussions are in progress, or are contemplated, with the Indian Government regarding any revision of existing arrangements.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, while thanking my noble friend for that reply, may I ask him whether he is aware that deep consideration is taking place in Indian Government circles regarding this issue, arising from the fact that Indians, not only in India but those of Indian 2 origin in East Africa, are finding it difficult to get into this country, and that Indian Government circles are even considering the question of requiring visas from this country? In view of the desirability of good relations with India, is it not desirable that discussions should take place?
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, I do not know where my noble friend gets "deep consideration" from. The only news I have had on this matter is an article that appeared in The Times under a dateline "July 2, Delhi". So far as I am aware, there have been no approaches to Her Majesty's Government, and I am not myself expecting one.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMay I ask my noble friend whether he is aware that, other than The Times, I have certain relationships with India?
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, obviously the noble Lord's contacts are greater than mine.