HC Deb 22 January 1968 vol 757 cc13-5W
70. Sir C. Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the purpose of his recent visit to Japan; what was the cost to public funds, including his technical advisers, secretaries and others; and whether he will make a statement about what the visit achieved.

Mr. George Brown

My visit to Japan was undertaken as part of a regular series of Ministerial consultations which began on the initiative of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Kinross and West Perth (Sir Alec Douglas-Home) when he visited Japan in 1963. The purpose of the consultations is to review Anglo-Japanese relations and to consider world problems as they affect the two countries, particularly in Asia. The topics discussed on this occasion, which included Vietnam, Japanese involvement in regional co-operation and aid for South-East Asia and the Far East, and Anglo-Japanese trade, are set out in the joint communiqué. I was able to cover these topics in depth in the course of four sessions with the Japanese Foreign Minister and one with the Japanese Prime Minister. I was also able to explain British policies to the Japanese public through the press and television and in public speeches.

I believe that these meetings with the Japanese Ministers and other contacts which the departmental officials were able to make with their opposite numbers have helped to deepen the understanding between the two countries at a very important moment for us both.

As the House is aware, it was necessary for me to visit the United States for consultations after leaving Japan. The total cost for all of us who made the journey to Japan and for those of us who went on to the United States was £10,338 4s. 0d.

71. Sir C. Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the purpose of his recent visit to Rome; what was the cost to public funds, including his technical advisers, secretaries and others; and whether he will make a statement about what the visit achieved.

Mr. George Brown

The Italian Foreign Minister, Signor Fanfani, invited me to visit Rome on 29th December for an exchange of views on the decision taken in Brussels with regard to the British application for membership of the European Communities. This was a most useful opportunity for exploring together the situation created by the French action in Brussels. The cost to public funds including the expense of those in my party was £462.

73. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his visit to Japan.

Mr. George Brown

I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Mr. Eldon Griffiths) on 17th January.—[Vol. 756, c.635–6.]

Sir C. Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the purpose of his recent visit to Washington; what was the cost to public funds, including his technical advisers, secretaries and others; and whether he will make a statement about what the visit achieved.

Mr. George Brown

As regards the purpose and achievements of my visit to Washington, I have nothing to add to my reply on 17th January to the hon. Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Mr. Eldon Griffiths).

I had in any event to visit Washington. By going there on my way back from Tokyo, instead of making a separate journey from London a very substantial saving was achieved.—[Vol. 756, c. 635.]