§ 15. Mr. Hayesasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans the Government have to develop and improve Anglo-Soviet relations.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweWe are continuing to develop contacts at all levels with the Soviet Union, and to work generally for better relations between East and West. Mr. Gromyko has accepted my invitation to visit London this year, and my hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh, Pentlands (Mr. Rifkind) will expect to visit Moscow in return for the visit of Mr. Kornienko to London in 1984. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will be visiting Moscow in February to open the British Agro-Industrial Exhibition. We shall continue our programme of official level talks on international issues, and there will be exchanges on bilateral trade, cultural and other matters.
§ 27. Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has any plans to meet the Foreign Minister of the Soviet Union.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweI have invited Mr. Gromyko to visit the United Kingdom this year. He has accepted, and dates are now under discussion.
§ 31. Mr. Terlezkiasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether a date has yet been fixed for the planned visit by the Soviet Foreign Minister to the United Kingdom.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweNo. Dates are under discussion on diplomatic channels.
§ 34. Mr. Sumbergasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he received any assurance from Mr. Gorbachev last month regarding future compliance by the Soviet Union with its international obligations on human rights.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweNo. During my talks with Mr. Gorbachev last month, I urged that the Soviet Union carry out its human rights commitments under the Helsinki Final Act. Regrettably, Mr. Gorbachev's response gave no cause to expect any early change in Soviet attitudes on this question.