HC Deb 16 December 1981 vol 15 cc135-6W
Mr Greville Janner

asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make a statement on relations between the United Kingdom and Poland.

Mr. Humphrey Atkins

Her Majesty's Government attach great importance to the maintenance of our traditionally friendly relations with Poland and have fully supported the efforts of the Polish Government and people to overcome their political and economic problems through peaceful negotiation.

During 1981 the Polish Foreign Minister, Mr. Czyrek, twice visited London and the then Polish Minister for Foreign Trade Mr. Karski visited London in October. My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State visited Warsaw at the beginning of December.

In the exceptional circumstances during the past year, the Government, at the request of the Polish Government, extended significant economic assistance to Poland, including debt rescheduling, the provision of new credit and the supply of urgently needed foodstuffs under the European Community scheme.

I informed the House on 14 December of Her Majesty's Government's reaction to present developments in Poland.