asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on Great Britain's present relations with Cambodia.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what reply has been made to the Cambodian Government's request for declarations relating to Cambodia's frontiers; and if he will make a statement.

On 12th January Her Majesty's Ambassador in Phnom Penh informed the Cambodian Government that Her Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom respect without reservation the sovereignty, independence, neutrality and territorial integrity of Cambodia within her present frontiers, and recognise the inviolability of these frontiers. I am sure that the cordial relations that already exist between us will in consequence he still further strengthened.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what guarantees he has sought from the United States Government to secure the safety of British subjects pursuing their lawful interests in Cambodia, a non-participant in the Vietnamese war; and what reply he has received.

None.The second part of the Question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on Her Majesty's Government's policy regarding the future of the Central Treaty Organisation.

Her Majesty's Government continue to support the Central Treaty Organisation for the contribution Which it makes to peace and security and for the opportunities which is provides for useful economic and other co-operation between its member countries.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the rôle of the new East Europe Centre.

The purpose of the "Great Britain—East Europe Centre" is the promotion of closer understanding between this country and Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Rumania by the fostering of cultural, economic, social and other contacts.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what consultations he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence and the Minister of Overseas Development on increasing expenditure in non-military fields, particularly information and aid, in order to maintain effective British influence when Great Britain's military presence abroad is being reduced.

As I just told the House, it is our intention to maintain our information effort at about its present level and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Overseas Development told the House last week of the Government's decision to maintain the present cash value of aid for the next two years.Consultation between the Ministers principally involved has of course taken place.—[Vol. 756, c. 1929.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how soon he expects that diplomatic relations will be resumed with those countries which broke off relations with Great Britain during the Middle East crisis.

As my hon. Friend knows relations have already been resumed with the United Arab Republic and with the Somali Republic. It is clear that a number of the other countries concerned are also interested in resumption. Hon. Members may be assured that I shall keep them closely informed of further progress on this question, but I would prefer not to make forecasts now.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent visit of the Minister of State to Iran, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States.

I have nothing to add to what was said on this subject by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in his statement to the House on 16th January.—[Vol. 756, c. 1582.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will propose alterations in the composition of the European Free Trade Association, in view of the United Nations resolution against trading with Portugal.

No.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will now take steps to establish a European technological community under supranational authority to coordinate technological progress in Western Europe.

There is nothing I can add to what my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary told the hon. Member on 20th December, 1967.—[Vol. 756, c. 1273.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made towards reaching international agreement on how to deal with future incidents, like that of the "Torrey Canyon".

Progress continues to be made in the technical and legal sub- committees of the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation not only on the procedure to be adopted in the event of a disaster such as that of the "Torrey Canyon" but also on ways of preventing such disasters. Her Majesty's Government have recently taken part also in discussions which we hope will lead to arrangements for regional co-operation in dealing with major oil spillages in the North Sea and the English Channel.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made with the setting up of the Anglo-Soviet Consultative Committee.

An Exchange of Notes has been arranged to take place in Moscow this morning to establish the Committee formally.I am glad to say that Sir Humphrey Trevelyan has agreed to serve as Chairman of the British Group. I hope to be able to announce the names of the other members of the Group shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what facilities exist for enabling Foreign Service officers in mid-career to acquaint themselves fully with economic and social changes in Great Britain.

Diplomatic Service officers are expected at all times to keep abreast of developments in this country. Periodical spells of Service in London, leave visits to the United Kingdom, tours on duty and training courses in this country, and the supply of newspapers, periodicals and other information to posts abroad are among the facilities which are provided to help them to do this.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in considering overseas diplomatic expenditure, whether Her Majesty's Government will reduce staff engaged on political reporting outside Europe rather than staff at missions to European organisations or commercial staff at any high commission or embassy.

The main emphasis of the work of the Diplomatic Service is already on commercial work and requirements for political reporting have for some time been reduced as far as possible. There is no intention of reducing staff engaged on commercial work. Immediately following devaluation instructions were sent to all Ambassadors and High Commissioners to adjust the work of their Mission in order to seize to the full the new opportunities for increasing British exports, including, where appropriate, by redeploying their staff to the task of export promotion from other duties. A continuing review of all establishments is maintained by the Diplomatic Service with a view to getting priorities right in these matters.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what were the total numbers of civil servants employed by the Foreign Service, Diplomatic Service, and Consular Service, as appropriate, at the beginning of 1946, 1951, 1964 and at the latest available date.

5,480, 4,926, 4,391 and, on the 1st of October 1967, 5,290 respectively. The last figure includes 2,669 staff for whom my right hon. Friend the Commonwealth Secretary and I have been jointly responsible since the formation of the Diplomatic Service on 1st January, 1965. These consist of staff working in joint Foreign Office/Commonwealth Office departments including the Diplomatic Service Administration Office and staff in training and transit.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on progress towards the normalisation of diplomatic relations with China.

Since my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton, Test (Mr. R. C. Mitchell) on 20th November, there has been some improvement in the situation of our Mission in Peking but unhappily much less than I would have liked. Exit visas have been granted to a First Secretary, and his wife (both of whom were ill) and their family; and the additional movement restrictions placed on members of our Mission have been relaxed following a relaxation of restrictions on the Chinese Mission in London. The situation nevertheless remains highly unsatisfactory. For instance, several members of the Mission and their families wish to leave China for health and other reasons but despite repeated requests exist visas are still being withheld. I shall of course continue to do everything possible to achieve an improvement.—[Vol. 754, c. 223.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that certain Commonwealth nations recognise and trade with the Chinese National Government; what criteria Her Majesty's Government require for a recognition of the Government in Formosa; and if he will accord recognition in order to obtain the trade benefits involved.

We are well aware that some members of the Commonwealth differ from us in recognising the Nationalist authorities in Taiwan who claim to represent China. We do not accept this claim and there can therefore be no question of granting recognition to the Nationalist authorities. But in the same way as some Commonwealth countries nonetheless trade successfully with mainland China, this country trades with Taiwan.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps he has taken during the last six months to achieve friendly relations with the Chinese Republic and to get a seat for China in the Councils of the United Nations.

My hon. and learned Friend will be aware of Chinese actions against members of the British Mission and other British subjects in China during the last six months. Despite this disgraceful behaviour, we have continued to make it clear to the Chinese that we wish to return to normal working relations as quickly as possible. We have also continued to press for the seating of China in the United Nations. As hon. Members will know, the British representative voted accordingly but the Resolution was defeated in the General Assembly of the United Nations. Meanwhile we are awaiting some indication that the Chinese are also prepared to work to improve their relations with us.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what plans he has for co-operation with the Association of South-East Asian Nations.

The Association of South-East Asian Nations came into being as a result of initiatives by Asian statesmen; and it is for them to decide how they wish it to develop. But we welcome this development towards genuine co-operation for peaceful purposes in South-East Asia.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government has yet decided who are to benefit from the splitting up of the Baltic balances; how long it is now expected to take before distribution can be made; and whether he will make a statement.

In principle it is the Government's intention that the persons eligible to apply for compensation should include those whose claims were registered under the Foreign Compensation (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) Registration Order 1959, and holders of the Lena and Tetiuhe State Notes. There were also some Government claims. Legislation will be necessary to make the assets available for this purpose and to set up a procedure for establishing claims. How long it will take for distribution to start will depend in part on how soon we can pass the necessary legislation.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many votes were cast against United Kingdom policy in the 4th Committee of the United Nations in the last session of the General Assembly.

Following is a table showing the votes, including those of the United Kingdom, on the resolutions of the Fourth Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement on the work of the representative of the United Nations to the Middle East.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Jarring, is at present proceeding with his discussions in Middle Eastern capitals. Hon. Members are well aware of the importance that we attach to his mission. The Secretary-General of the United Nations issued a report on the 18th of January on the progress of Mr. Jarring's mission, copies of which are in the Library of the House. It would not be appropriate for me to add anything to his statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement about the progress of the Bethuel Webster mediation regarding the British Honduras-Guatemalan dispute.

No. Under its terms of reference, the proceedings of the mediation are confidential. My right hon. Friend will consider making a statement when the mediator has announced his recommendations.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that on 17th November last the Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi with 1,000 beds was hit with two 750-pound bombs and a large quantity of pellet bombs; and if he will dissociate Her Majesty's Government from this action of the United States Government.

I am aware of the reports that Bach Mai hospital in Hanoi suffered damage on the 17th of November. As I have frequently said, the only way to avoid the risk of incidents of this sort is to bring the war to an end and this Her Majesty's Government is striving to do.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the extent of the damage to the British Con- sulate in Hanoi by the bombing raid by the United States of America on 17th November 1967; whether any personal injuries were received by those in the building at the time; and whether the United States of America have agreed to pay compensation.

In addition to the damage of which I informed the House on 11th December, I regret to say that the Junior Attaché in the Consulate-General was slightly hurt by blast. As the House knows, the United States Government has expressed its regret at any damage which might have been caused by United States air action. Should the extent of injury or damage warrant it we would consider seeking appropriate compensation from the United States.—[Vol. 756, c. 24.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is still the policy of Her Majesty's Government to refuse to sell arms to the United States of America for use in Vietnam.

Although Her Majesty's Government do not place any restrictions or conditions on arms sold to the United States of America, it continues to be our policy not to sell arms specifically for use in Vietnam.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the importance of the role of the Republic of South Africa to a settlement of the Rhodesian problem; and what proposals he has to improve Great Britain's relations with the Republic.

The Answer to the first part of the Question is 'Yes'. My right hon. Friend the Commonwealth Secretary took the opportunity when passing through Pretoria in November last to discuss the Rhodesian problem with the South African Foreign Minister.As regards the second part of the Question, although we have differences of opinion with the South African Government, we nevertheless enjoy a good working relationship with them to which we attach importance.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will provide further support for the Trucial Oman Scouts.

The Trucial Oman Scouts already enjoy the full support of Her Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the risk of officers and men of the Royal Navy being brought before the courts for the illegal use of force on the high seas off Beira in pursuance of the present resolution of the United Nations, he will seek at the United Nations to obtain the assent of all the permanent members of the Security Council to the resolution.

No. There is no doubt of the legality of action taken in pursuance of the Resolution which the hon. Member has in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what discussions he has recently had with the five countries in the European Economic Community.

I had talks with the Italian Foreign Minister, Signor Fanfani, in Rome on 29th December and with the German Foreign Minister, Herr Brandt, in Bonn on 19th January. We are also in close touch with the other governments concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the British financial contribution for the new headquarters for the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation in Brussels; and what is the estimate for the annual United Kingdom maintenance cost.

The British share of the construction cost is estimated at £483,600 and of the maintenance cost in 1968, about £17,800.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what were the results of the studies undertaken by the Permanent Council of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation on the future tasks of the Alliance; and what contribution was made to these discussions by the representatives of the United Kingdom.

A report on this subject was approved by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Ministers at their meeting at Brussels in December and published as an Annex to the Communiqué. Copies of these documents are available in the Library of the House. I was the United Kingdom representative at meetings of the special Group which drew up the report and Mr. Adam Watson, an Assistant Under-Secretary of State in the Foreign Office, was one of the rapporteurs who prepared studies for the Special Group.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when Her Majesty's Government last approached the other Governments concerned regarding the conditions of Herr Rudolf Hess's imprisonment at Spandau; and when he is to be released, or transferred to another place of confinement.

Her Majesty's Government made a further approach to the Soviet Government on the 5th of January with a view to securing the release of Hess from Spandau. Until we receive their reply, I would not wish to comment on the possibility of transferring Hess to another place of confinement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what representations have now been made, or other action taken, by Her Majesty's Government at the United Nations and elsewhere, regarding the continuance of hostilities in the Yemen and Soviet participation therein; and to what extent Egyptian forces have now been evacuated in accordance with the international undertakings of the United Arab Republic.

Her Majesty's Government naturally favour a peaceful settlement of the fighting in the Yemen. We do not, however, consider that British initiatives would help to achieve a solution. United Arab Republic units have to the best of my knowledge withdrawn completely from the Yemen.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he proposes to take over the misleading of himself and his predecessors by officials of his Department with regard to the claim for compensation by 12 Sachsenhausen concentration camp victims.

My right hon. Friend is reviewing the cases of the claimants from Sachsenhausen and hopes to be able to announce his decision shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the purpose of his recent visit to Japan; what was the cost to public funds, including his technical advisers, secretaries and others; and whether he will make a statement about what the visit achieved.

My visit to Japan was undertaken as part of a regular series of Ministerial consultations which began on the initiative of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Kinross and West Perth (Sir Alec Douglas-Home) when he visited Japan in 1963. The purpose of the consultations is to review Anglo-Japanese relations and to consider world problems as they affect the two countries, particularly in Asia. The topics discussed on this occasion, which included Vietnam, Japanese involvement in regional co-operation and aid for South-East Asia and the Far East, and Anglo-Japanese trade, are set out in the joint communiqué. I was able to cover these topics in depth in the course of four sessions with the Japanese Foreign Minister and one with the Japanese Prime Minister. I was also able to explain British policies to the Japanese public through the press and television and in public speeches.I believe that these meetings with the Japanese Ministers and other contacts which the departmental officials were able to make with their opposite numbers have helped to deepen the understanding between the two countries at a very important moment for us both.As the House is aware, it was necessary for me to visit the United States for consultations after leaving Japan. The total cost for all of us who made the journey to Japan and for those of us who went on to the United States was £10,338 4s. 0d.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the purpose of his recent visit to Rome; what was the cost to public funds, including his technical advisers, secretaries and others; and whether he will make a statement about what the visit achieved.

The Italian Foreign Minister, Signor Fanfani, invited me to visit Rome on 29th December for an exchange of views on the decision taken in Brussels with regard to the British application for membership of the European Communities. This was a most useful opportunity for exploring together the situation created by the French action in Brussels. The cost to public funds including the expense of those in my party was £462.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on his visit to Japan.

I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Mr. Eldon Griffiths) on 17th January.—[Vol. 756, c. 635–6.]

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the purpose of his recent visit to Washington; what was the cost to public funds, including his technical advisers, secretaries and others; and whether he will make a statement about what the visit achieved.

As regards the purpose and achievements of my visit to Washington, I have nothing to add to my reply on 17th January to the hon. Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Mr. Eldon Griffiths).I had in any event to visit Washington. By going there on my way back from Tokyo, instead of making a separate journey from London a very substantial saving was achieved.—[Vol. 756, c.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what protection will be available from Her Majesty's Embassy and consulates to British citizens taking holidays in Greece during 1968.

Our Consuls in Greece will continue to extend normal consular assistance and protection to British subjects.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made in discussions with the Turkish Government for relief from duty for British vehicles entering Turkey.

Considerable progress has been made with a draft agreement embodying reciprocal waivers of the relevant taxation. I hope that the few remaining technical points of difference will be resolved shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he is now taking to obtain the release from house detention of Mr. Anthony Grey, Reuter's correspondent in Peking; and if he will make a statement.

We are trying in a number of ways to secure Mr. Grey's release and, as a first step, consular access to him. Although Her Majesty's Chargé d'Affaires has made numerous representations to the Chinese authorities, I regret that none has so far proved successful. I can assure the House that we remain extremely concerned about the indefensible treatment of Mr. Grey and will continue to do everything we can to help him.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what inquiries he made as to the safeguarding in Aden of the six principles which it is Her Majesty's Government's policy to maintain in relation to Rhodesia before advising Her Majesty to relinquish her sovereignty over the colony of Aden.

The situations in Rhodesia and Aden are not comparable. All the available evidence suggests that the Government of the People's Republic of Southern Yemen had by its inception secured the acceptance of a large majority of the population of the country generally including that of the former Colony of Aden. In Rhodesia, on the other hand, there is a regime which illegally purported to seize independence and which is supported mainly by a racially distinct minority.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the weekly cost of domestic staff at the residence in Brussels of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

The staff consists of a married couple, who live in the house. Their wages are £25 a week. They are due to leave at the end of January.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will attend the next meeting of the Council of Europe.

No. My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary will, as leader of the British Parliamentary Delegation, attend the meeting this month of the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe. My right hon. Friends the Minister of Technology and the Attorney General have accepted invitations to address the Assembly.The next meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe will not be held until May. It has not yet been decided who will represent Her Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement upon the resumption of diplomatic relations with the Somali Republic.

I am glad to say that diplomatic relations were resumed on 5th January. It is intended that Ambassadors should arive in Mogadishu and London respectively by the end of this month. In the meantime, the former Protecting Powers continue to carry out appropriate functions on behalf of the two Governments.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the total diplomatic staff employed principally on commercial work in Latin America.

Twenty-six officers.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) what further representations he has made to the United States Government regarding the officially recorded $5·2 million American imports from Rhodesia during the first eight months of 1967; and with what result;(2) what further representations he has made to the German Government regarding the officially reported $1,316 million of asbestos imported from Rhodesia into Germany during the first six months of 1967; and with what result;(3) what further representations he has made to the Swiss Government regarding the officially recorded 11 per cent. increase in Swiss imports from Rhodesia during the first nine months of 1967; and with what result;(4) what further representations he has made to the German Government regarding the officially recorded $10·7 million German imports from Rhodesia during the first eight months of 1967; and with what result;(5) what further representations he has made to the Federal German Government regarding its claim that German petroleum exports to Rhodesia were continuing at 1966 levels during the first half of 1967; and with what result;(6) what representations he has made to the Federal German Government regarding its claim that $306,000-worth of German motor vehicles were exported to Rhodesia during the first half of 1967; and with what results;(7) what further representations he has made to the French Government regarding its claim that $414,000-worth of French motor vehicles were exported to Rhodesia in the first half of 1967; and with what results;(8) what further representations he has made to the Portuguese Government regarding the 440 per cent. officially reported increase in Portuguese imports of meat from Rhodesia during the first half of 1967; and with what results;(9) what further representations he has made to the Swiss Government regarding its claim that Swiss imports of meat from Rhodesia increased by 30 per cent. during the first half of 1967; and with what result;(10) what further representations he has made to the United States Government regarding its claim that United States imports of chromium ores and concentrates from Rhodesia increased by 61 per cent. during the first half of 1967; and with what result;(11) what further representations he has made to the United States Government regarding its claim that exports of aircraft to Rhodesia from the United States increased by 27 per cent. in the first six months of 1967; and with what result;(12) what further representations he has made to the United States Government regarding its claim that United States exports of petroleum products to Rhodesia increased by 25 per cent. in the first half of 1967; and with what results;(13) what further representations he has made to the Swiss Government regarding the increase of Swiss imports of tobacco from Rhodesia by one-third in the first half of 1967, and with what results.

I cannot accept all the hon. Member's figures. As the hon. Member will be aware, we are in regular touch with other governments about the implementation of Security Council mandatory resolutions on trade with Rhodesia. It is, however, for the Security Council to determine where a member of the United Nations is in breach of the resolution.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what further representations he has made to the United States Government regarding the officially reported 66 per cent. increase in United States imports of sugar from Rhodesia during the first half of 1967.

None. According to the Secretary-General of the United Nations' recent report, a copy of which is in the Library of the House, there were no imports of sugar into the United States from Rhodesia in the first six months of 1967.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he proposes to take to make effective Recommendation 160 of the Assembly of Western European Union about the security of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation alliance in the Mediterranean area.

We are discussing this with the other members of the Council of Western European Union.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the official representations made by the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia and Japan regarding the Government's changes in overseas defence and foreign policy in the Far East.

It is not the practice to divulge the contents of official communications with foreign Governments.Representations made by the Governments of Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Malaysia are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs.

asked the Attorney-General whether he will give the names and the countries of origin of those convicted of offences against Section 6 of the Race Relations Act before 1st January, 1968.

The details are as follows:

asked the Attorney-General for what period Statutory Instrument 1768/67, Leasehold Reform Act (Notices) Regulations 1967, has been out of stock; and if he is aware of the consequent difficulties of those needing to give certain notices in accordance with these regulations by 27th January, 1968.

The Regulations were out of stock between 14th and 28th December and again, on the exhaustion of a reprint, between 3rd and 16th January. Supplies are now available at the Stationery Office. The notices required to be given in certain cases by 27th January are not governed by these Regulations and do not have to comply with any formalities.

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs why he refused permission for Dr. D. P. Burkitt, the international brain expert, to fulfill his three-day visit to Salisbury, Rhodesia, as from 20th January.

The British Government has no legal power to refuse permission to a United Kingdom citizen to visit Rhodesia. I understand that the Medical Research Council advised Mr. Burkitt that, as a full-time employee of ate Council (which is financed by the British Government), it would not be appropriate for him to visit Rhodesia in the present political circumstances.