HL Deb 21 July 1975 vol 363 cc2-3

2.38 p.m.

Lord GORE-BOOTH

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 what steps they have been able to take to lend encouragement to those in Portugal who are seeking to uphold the democratic institutions and the rights of the individual in that country.

The PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY of STATE, FOREIGN and COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (Lord Goronwy-Roberts)

My Lords, while taking care not to intervene in the internal affairs of another country, Her Majesty's Government are promoting contacts with political and military leaders in Portugal in which we explain our view of the importance and relevance of democratic freedoms. At the same time, we hope that our offer of technical assistance to Portugal and advocacy of a forthcoming policy towards Portugal in the European Community will encourage those in Portugal who wish to follow the path of freedom and democracy, and will demonstrate our support.

Lord GORE-BOOTH

My Lords, in thanking the Minister for his reply, may I ask him whether he is aware that, since a policy of complete passivity was open to the Government, many people will be glad that they are taking an active line? May I further ask whether, in arguing the case, Her Majesty's Government feel able to say that there are only two alternatives in Portugal if you are pro-revolutionary? One option is ignobly to use the revolution, to exploit it, in order to make it a transient passage from one form of totalitarianism to another; the other one is to stand up and fight for those democratic institutions which clearly more than two-thirds of the Portuguese people desire.

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, my noble friend puts the position admirably.

Baroness ELLES

My Lords, since the one public voice from this country is from the BBC, can the Minister say what steps have been taken to ensure that the voice coming on the overseas broadcasts to Portugal represents the democratic views of this country, and is not tainted with any Left-Wing political colour?

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

My Lords, I agree entirely with the purpose of the question, and I can assure the noble Baroness that steps have been taken by the BBC themselves to put the matter right.