HL Deb 30 November 1970 vol 313 cc323-4
LORD SHEPHERD

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will make a statement following their discussions with the Sultan of Brunei.]

LORD ABERDARE

My Lords, discussions between Her Majesty's Government and His Highness the Sultan of Brunei are still in progress. The House will be informed in due course of the position reached.

LORD SHEPHERD

My Lords, our Question Time is now so full that I do not think it would be possible to put down a Question before Christmas, and I am grateful to the noble Lord for that assurance. May I ask the noble Lord whether the talks with the Sultan of Brunei go beyond the military aspects, and whether the Government contemplate a change in the relationship between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of Brunei?

LORD ABERDARE

My Lords, I appreciate that the noble Lord has a very special interest in these talks. He will know that they are confidential and, if he does not mind, I would rather not go beyond what I have said already in answer to his first Question.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, may I ask the Minister whether advantage will be taken at these talks to try to influence Brunei to renew its association with Sarawak and Sabah on the Island of Borneo?

LORD ABERDARE

My Lords, I am sure that my right honourable friend will pay heed to what the noble Lord has said.