§ 72. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will approach the Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics with a view to establishing reciprocal arrangements for the enjoyment of approximately similar facilities for the visit of British visitors to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and of Soviet visitors to Britain; and if he will also arrange that all Soviet visitors are presented with an illustrated book describing British social services and the British form of democratic processes.
§ Mr. TurtonI fully share the hon. Member's desire to hasten the day when the Soviet Government will allow Soviet citizens to come freely to this country. As was stated in reply to the hon. Member for Goole (Mr. G. Jeger) on 24th November, my right hon. Friend would also welcome any developments which 215W made it less difficult for unescorted British subjects to visit Russia. I am glad to say that there has lately been some improvement in the facilities extended by the Soviet authorities to British and other visitors. However, British visitors to the Soviet Union are still hampered by many difficulties, not the least of which is the artificial exchange rate of the rouble. With regard to the last part of the Question, I am not aware of the existence of such an illustrated book.