§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will take steps, in co-ordination with France, the Netherlands, Italy and West Germany, to promote trade and aid with Nicaragua.
§ Mr. LuceThe promotion of trade between nations is a matter for the individual countries concerned. We encourage such trade with Nicaragua. The co-ordination of aid to Nicaragua is already undertaken to a certain extent through the European Community.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he or his noble friend the Foreign Secretary has received a request to meet the Foreign Secretary of Nicaragua in the past month; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LuceOn 15 December a request was made on behalf of the Nicaraguan Foreign Minister to meet my right hon. and noble Friend the following day. In the event, as he was not available, I paid a call on the Nicaraguan Foreign Minister on 17 December.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Lord Privy Seal what requests for aid or loan for the purchase of United Kingdom manufactured machinery has been made by the Government of Nicaragua in the past three months; and what reply has been sent.
§ Mr. LuceA request was received on 25 September to provide credit to cover the cost of Nicaraguan imports from the United Kingdom at 1977 levels. A note was sent on 12 October informing the Nicaraguan embassy that there was no possibility of official Government credit being extended to cover such purchases.
§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Lord Privy Seal whether Her Majesty's Government now have plans to establish a diplomatic presence in Nicaragua.
§ Mr. LuceOur ambassador in San Jose is accredited to Managua. There are currently no plans to change that arrangement.