§ Sir David SteelTo ask the Prime Minister what criteria were used in deciding whether she should meet the Dalai Lama.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Dalai Lama is a distinguished spiritual leader, who is welcome to visit the United Kingdom at any time. But he is also regarded by many of his followers as the leader of a government in exile, which is not recognised by any Government, and with which successive British Governments have had no dealings. I believe that a meeting with him would therefore be open to misinterpretation.