HL Deb 27 April 1988 vol 496 cc205-6

2.42 p.m.

Lord Belhaven and Stenton asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, as a condition of the entry of the Dalai Lama into the United Kingdom, restrictions were imposed by the Foreign Office on what he would be allowed to say publicly during his recent visit; and if so what those restrictions were and what was the reason for them.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Glenarthur)

My Lords, as a distinguished spiritual leader committed to the cause of non-violence, the Dalai Lama is welcome to visit this country. When his recent visit was proposed, assurances were from the outset offered on his behalf that his visit would be pastoral in character and that he would not make political statements while he was here. In these circumstances, no consideration was given as to whether such assurances should be insisted on as a condition of this visit.

Lord Belhaven and Stenton

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that reassuring reply. Did Her Majesty's Government take any steps to counter what one could only call rumours in the press and the media that what I say in my original Question was the case: that Her Majesty's Government had imposed such restrictions on the Dalai Lama? People, including myself, believed that; and I thought that the Dalai Lama believed it also. It created a bad impression.

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, it was for the Dalai Lama's representatives to do that. They gave the undertakings, and it was for them to interpret them. I hope that my noble friend will note that the Dalai Lama himself stated at one of his press conferences that press reports of that alleged gagging had been exaggerated. I hope my noble friend is also aware that the Dalai Lama gave a large number of interviews, including those on television, without any hindrance.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, is the Minister aware that the Dalai Lama was greatly welcomed in this country, and that his visit was an outstanding success? Were the events in Lhasa last March and during last year the subject of discussions between the Dalai Lama and the right honourable and learned gentleman the Foreign Secretary? What were the results of those discussions?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, there was no discussion between my right honourable and learned friend and the Dalai Lama.

Lord Grimond

My Lords, both the Minister's answers are, to a certain extent, to be welcomed in that no restrictions were either asked for, or, as I understand it, imposed, on the Dalai Lama; and discussions, as I understand it, took place with the right honourable and learned gentleman the Foreign Secretary. Apart from those discussions, have the Government made any representations about what has been done in Tibet, and, if so, with what result?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, in case the noble Lord misheard me, I should perhaps repeat that no discussions took place between my right honourable and learned friend and the Dalai Lama. With regard to representations, Her Majesty's Government are concerned and regret the loss of life and injuries which have taken place. Both my right honourable friend the Prime Minister and my right honourable and learned friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs made clear to the Chinese Foreign Minister, Mr. Wu, during his visit, the strength of feeling about the matter that existed in this country.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, is it not the case that the Dalai Lama was allowed a visa by Her Majesty's Government only on condition that he made no political statement whatsoever? Is that the position?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, no, it is not the position. The position is as I described it in my original Answer. Assurances were from the outset offered on the Dalai Lama's behalf that his visit would be pastoral in character, and that he would not make political statements while he was here. In those circumstances, no consideration was given as to whether such assurances should be insisted on as a condition of his visit.

Lord Mackie of Benshie

My Lords, would Her Majesty's Government have asked for those assurances if they had not been voluntarily given?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, I do not think that it is for me to answer hypothetical questions.