HC Deb 28 January 1953 vol 510 c997
27. Mr. E. Fletcher

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the detailed arrangements that have been made with the United States of America for British troops to have reciprocal treatment to that given to the American forces in this country under the Visiting Forces Act.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

I have nothing to add to the reply given by my hon. Friend to the hon. Member for Aston (Mr. Wyatt) on 26th November last.

Mr. Fletcher

Will the Minister bear in mind that when that Act was passed by the House specific assurances were given by the Home Secretary that reciprocal arrangements would be made by the United States? Can we have an assurance that the Government are doing everything possible to get those reciprocal arrangements?

Mr. Lloyd

We are in touch with the American authorities on that point. We certainly hope that reciprocal arrangements will be provided.

Mr. S. Silverman

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that no Order in Council under our Visiting Forces Act will be presented to the House so as to make the Act operative in this country until satisfactory reciprocal arrangements have been made with any country affected by that Order in Council?

Mr. Lloyd

That is another question, which should not be addressed to the Foreign Office.

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