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Parliamentary Visit

Oral Answers to Questions — China – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 17 March 1947.

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Photo of Sir Arthur Harvey Sir Arthur Harvey , Macclesfield 12:00, 17 March 1947

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made in the discussions with the Chinese authorities regarding the suggested Parliamentary visit from this country to China during 1947.

The Minister of State (Mr. McNeil):

Discussions arc proceeding, and my right hon. Friend hopes to be in a position to make a statement before very long.

Photo of Sir Arthur Harvey Sir Arthur Harvey , Macclesfield

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the discussions will go on in such a way that a mission will go there this year? I stress that point in view of the critical situation in China.

Mr. McNeil:

I can only say, as I have previously indicated, that as far as the Government are concerned, we are exceedingly well disposed towards the proposition but, of course, we must concert our activities with those of the Chinese Government.

Photo of Mr William Brown Mr William Brown , Rugby

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure this House that when this mission does go, some sort of representation will be given to independent thought in this House, more especially since the independent vote is probably the largest in Britain?

Mr. McNeil:

I presume the hon. Gentleman is not concerned with the independent thought of this House but with the Independent Party. Happily, I am not responsible for that.

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