HC Deb 20 May 1953 vol 515 c2066
41. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how much money has been claimed and how much has been paid by the United Nations Command in pursuance of its 100,000 dollar offer to MiG fighter pilots in Korea who desert, bringing their fighter planes with them; and for how long that offer is to remain open to them.

The Minister of State (Mr. Selwyn Lloyd)

With regard to the first part of the hon. and learned Member's Question, the answer is, so far as I am aware, None, Sir. With regard to the second part, I know of no time limit.

Mr. Hughes

Does the Minister realise the remarkable synthesis between this Question and the latest news that another MiG has reached the West? Is that latest news true, and, if so, will the pilot of that machine get the 100,000 dollars and the other rewards?

Mr. Lloyd

I am told that the information which the hon. and learned Gentleman has just suggested in the middle part of his supplementary question is correct.

Mr. Shinwell

Is it not better that this episode, like the Prime Minister's declaration that it is better to be bribed than to be killed, should be forgotten as soon as possible?