AFRICAN AND MALAGASY ASSOCIATED STATES: VISITORS

HL Deb 30 January 1975 vol 356 cc648-9WA

Lord MERRIVALE

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will list the number of prominent people who visited this country, over the past years, from each one of the francophone African and Malagasy Associated States (AASM), (a) as an official guest and (b) for whom "arrangements only" were made; and to what extent, and in what way, they propose to increase this number bearing in mind that a new Convention of Association with the EEC should shortly be coming into force with the United Kingdom contributing to the European Development Fund.

Lord GORONWY-ROBERTS

The following number of prominent people from each of the francophone African and Malagasy Associated States visited this country during the period 1971 to 1974:

(or Co-operation—the title has not yet been finally agreed) comes into force. We will welcome such a development. I should hope that the increased level of contact will be reflected in the recommendations made by our overseas posts for inviting visitors.