6.
The Department considers that Sir Michael's suggestion of a UK/China working party of parliamentarians would not be helpful, believing that British parliamentarians would simply be subjected to lobbying on lines dictated by the Chinese Government. Mr Goodlad has agreed to have a quiet word with Sir Michael to suggest that the idea could best not be taken any further.
1.
Separately, the British Group IPU have invited a group of Chinese Parliamentarians to visit London in November. The Chinese Embassy has accepted in principle
Italy
8. Sir Michael is planning to visit Italy on 31 May on IPU business. He is aware of Secretary of State's interest in encouraging a closer relationship between British and Italian parliamentarians.
9.
The British Group IPU have been in contact with their Italian counterparts and are considering issuing an invitation for an Italian delegation to come here in early 1994.
London Meeting of Parliamentarians
The
10. The Secretary of State has already indicated FCO willingness to help with Sir Michael's proposal to host a meeting in London next year of the heads of those parliamentary organisations with which the IPU has links. Locarno Suite has been mooted as a venue for a reception. Copies of the recent correspondence between the Secretary of State and Sir Michael are attached.