§ Lord AVEBURYasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why the Ministry of Overseas Development declined an invitation to 968WA send a representative to the seminar on Human Rights and Aid Policy organised by the Latin America Bureau on Friday 28th April 1978; and how this refusal can be reconciled with the policy of open government.
§ Baroness LLEWELYN-DAVIES of HASTOEIn declining this invitation, there was no question of wishing to conceal information or of denying open government. It was thought to be inappropriate for officials to take part in discussion on the subject of human rights and aid, to which the Government attach great importance, because it is one which rightly attracts strong and possibly conflicting political views. My right honourable friend the Minister of State for Overseas Development much regretted her own inability to attend the seminar and would gladly give the noble Lord any information she can provide on topics which he wishes to pursue.