asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement on the relations between His Majesty's Government and the Mexican Government?

Conversations, which His Majesty's Government are following with interest and approval, are progressing between the Mexican Government and the oil companies with a view to arriving at a settlement of the dispute. As I have previously stated, relations between His Majesty's Government and the Mexican Government depend on the attitude of that Government as shown in these negotiations.

May we take it that the Government will do everything possible to ensure that these negotiations have a satisfactory end?

Yes, Sir—realising, as the hon. and learned Member will, that the negotiations are between representatives of the companies and the Mexican Government.

Does our relationship with Mexico depend on the oil interests being satisfied? Does not that mean that we are handing over control of policy to private interests?

The relationship between the two Governments, as such, depends on the attitude of the Mexican Government towards the question of expropriation.