HC Deb 06 March 1962 vol 655 c206
Q3. Mr. A. Henderson

asked the Prime Minister whether he will arrange for Colonel John Glenn to be officially invited to visit this country.

The Prime Minister

I would refer the right hon. and learned Gentleman to the Answer I gave to the hon. Member for Dunfermline Burghs (Dr. A. Thompson) on 1st March.

Mr. Henderson

In the event of Colonel Glenn accepting the Prime Minister's invitation, would the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of arranging for Colonel Glenn to address both Houses of Parliament?

The Prime Minister

President Kennedy has sent me a message saying that he is most grateful for the invitation and promising an early reply. Of course, we ail hope that it will be possible for Colonel Glenn to visit this country, but we have to take account—and no doubt they must take account—of the demand on him concerning his duties as a United States officer. He would be very much welcomed here. With regard to the precise form of that welcome, perhaps we might leave that matter for further discussion.