HC Deb 15 January 1974 vol 867 cc71-2W
Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Lord Aldington's official visit to Saudi Arabia.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will make a statement on the official Government-sponsored visit to Arabia by Lord Aldington.

Mr. Blaker

Lord Aldington visited Saudi Arabia from 10th to 13th December at the personal request of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister. He was accompanied by Mr. J. L. Taylor an Assistant Under-Secretary in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The purpose of the visit was to discuss the Middle East situation and its implications for Europe with His Majesty King Faisal with whom Lord Aldington bad an audience on 11th December.

The talks with King Faisal, the content of which must remain confidential, were frank and constructive. Lord Aldington also had useful talks with the Saudi Arabian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and other senior officials.