§ 48. Mr. Heathcoat-Amoryasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on relations between the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia.
§ Mr. RentonRelations with Saudi Arabia are excellent. My right hon. and learned Friend had a most valuable visit to Saudi Arabia on 13–15 January when he met the King, the Foreign Minister and the Governor of Riyadh. There have been a number of other visits in both directions in recent months, including the parliamentary delegation in which my hon. Friend participated. Further exchanges of visits are expected in the near future.
§ 60. Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations Her Majesty's Government have made to the Saudi Arabian authorities about inhumane punishments and other human rights violations in that country.
§ Mr. RentonAppropriate representations are made when particular cases involving individual British citizens arise. This must, however, be seen against the background that the Islamic code of justice and the Saudi system of Government clearly appear to enjoy the adherence and support of the Saudi people as a whole.