§ Mr. ParryTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to meet the Dalai Lama when he next pays a visit to the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MaudeWe have always recognised the Dalai Lama's role as a distinguished spiritual leader, and he is welcome to visit the United Kingdom at any time. Nevertheless, he is regarded by many of his followers as the leader of a government in exile, which is not recognised by any Government and with which successive British Governments have had no dealings. A meeting between a Government Minister and the Dalai Lama would thus be open to misinterpretation.