HL Deb 15 November 1966 vol 277 cc1256-7WA
LORD BARNBY

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the statement that British commercial interests should be subordinate to beliefs or principles [Lords Hansard 1/11/66, cols. 494–495] advocated by the U.N. is to be regarded as basic policy when such beliefs or principles give rise to negotiations that are not viable.

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (LORD WALSTON)

I think the noble Lord has misunderstood the words which I used in discussion on South-West Africa on the 1st of November. I made it clear that the responsibilities and principles to which I referred are principles which have been proclaimed and endorsed on both sides of the House on more than one occasion. That they may also be endorsed by the majority of the members of the United Nations is a consideration not relevant to the argument that I was advancing at the time.