HC Deb 28 November 1969 vol 792 c176W
Dr. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on which days in the past years have representatives of Her Majesty's Government been asked to attend National or Independence days, or other festive occasions, celebrated by the Diplomatic Corps in London, and by which countries.

Mr. Luard

There are 115 Diplomatic Missions accredited to the Court of St. James, of which approximately 90 give annual national or Independence Day receptions. It is the practice for a Foreign and Commonwealth Minister to attend each of these whenever possible. Invitations are, of course, also issued to representatives of other departments of Her Majesty's Government.

I regret that the full information which the hon. Member requests is not readily available and would involve unjustifiable time and expense to compile.