§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether during the visit by President Jiang Zemin of China they will ask him why the Chinese authorities still refuse to enter into discussions with the Dalai Lama, notwithstanding the Dalai Lama's acceptance that Tibet should not seek more than autonomy within the Chinese People's Republic. [HL4147]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)The Government raised the situation in Tibet during the most recent round of its regular human rights dialogue with China in September. We continue to urge the Chinese to enter into discussions with the Dalai Lama as the only realistic solution to the Tibetan issue. My right honourable friend the Prime Minister will indeed raise the question of human rights in China, including Tibet, with President Jiang Zemin at his meeting on 21 October.