HC Deb 05 February 1953 vol 510 cc2028-30
46. Mr. Lewis

asked the Prime Minister the names of the persons composing the party that officially attended him on his recent visit to the United States of America, for the purpose of discussions with the President and former President of the United States of America; and what rank or position these people hold.

The Prime Minister

Mr. Colville, Miss Sturdee and Miss Gilliatt of my staff, and Inspector Davies and Mr. Murray of Scotland Yard.

I sent Mr. Colville home to report the position, with which he was fully acquainted, to the Foreign Secretary, and he was relieved by Mr. Pitblado, who brought out despatches.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Were all these fellow-travellers screened when they arrived in the United States? Can the Prime Minister assure us that no objection was taken to him on the ground that he was a Communist?

The Prime Minister

I think that all that jumble of nonsense answers itself.

53. Mr. Lewis

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the cost of the recent official visit to the United States of America of the Prime Minister and his party of advisers.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The Prime Minister was not accompanied by advisers but by a private secretary, two secretaries and two detectives. The cost of the visit to the Exchequer is estimated at about £3,500. The Prime Minister was also accompanied by members of his family, but, of course, at no charge to the Exchequer.

Mr. Lewis

Is the Minister aware that when I asked the Prime Minister to give us a report on his visit he said it was private and in no way public, and that he would not make a statement? When further pressed by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Leader of the Opposition the right hon. Gentleman again refused to make a statement. Is it not scandalous that public money should be used when no report on the visit is made to this House?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I think there are many precedents to establish the view that my right hon. Friend's contacts with foreign statesmen have been of inestimable value to this country and the world.

Mr. Jay

If it is the case that part of the cost of this visit, no doubt quite rightly, was borne by public funds, will the hon. Gentleman ask the Prime Minister to reconsider his refusal to give the House an account of his visit?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

I think it would be more appropriate if the right hon. Gentleman would put that question to my right hon. Friend.

Mr. Shinwell

Does the hon. Gentleman appreciate that we all agree that his right hon. Friend's contacts with foreign statesmen may render great service to this country and, indeed, to the world at large, but would it not be useful if we were able to judge whether his recent visit was of any value by disclosure of what transpired?

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

It is surely possible for the right hon. Gentleman to put such questions to my right hon. Friend.

Brigadier Clarke

Does my hon. Friend appreciate that most hon. Members think that the money was well worth spending?