§ Mr. Terlezkiasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he intends to visit the Soviet Union; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RentonMy right hon. and learned Friend has an invitation from the Soviet Foreign Minister to visit the Soviet Union this year. Dates have not yet been discussed.
§ Mr. Terlezkiasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will consider making proposals to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics for multiple parliamentary visits of groups independent of IPU or conducted tours to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RentonMy right hon. and learned Friend has no present plans to make such proposals, which are for right hon. and hon. Members themselves. The Foreign Affairs Committee and a group of parliamentarians under IPU auspices have paid successful visits to the Soviet Union in the last two years. We consider parliamentary exchanges can play a useful role in increasing mutual understanding.
§ Mr. Terlezkiasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he proposes to take any action in order to stimulate more effective exchange of visits by friends and relatives to and from the United Kingdom and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RentonI raised the question of family visits and freer travel in my talks in Moscow last week. I impressed upon the Soviet authorities the need for a more flexible and humane approach in this area. We are also working at the Vienna CSCE meeting to reduce obstacles to travel.