HC Deb 23 May 1962 vol 660 cc425-6
23. Sir E. Errington

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make some payment from War Office funds to those officers and other ranks of the British Army who were seconded to the Ghana Government and had such secondments prematurely terminated with resulting loss.

Mr. Profumo

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations is discussing with the Ghana Government what compensation they will pay to these officers and men. We hope that a fair settlement will be reached.

Sir E. Errington

My Question was whether something could be done from the War Office. Is my right hon. Friend aware that this matter has gone on for months and that there are substantial amounts outstanding? Will not the War Office do something about it even though it is not possible to get a settlement from Ghana?

Mr. Profumo

With respect to my hon. Friend, I think that that is still a hypothetical question, since the negotiations with Ghana are at present continuing.

Sir E. Errington

Does my right hon. Friend realise that this has been going on for months; that people are spending out of their own money, both other ranks and officers, and that something should be done?

Mr. Profumo

I have said that we are hoping for a fair settlement. I do not think that it would be helpful for me to say more while the negotiations are going on.

Mr. Paget

But let us clear this up. Surely, these people are our chaps. They went there at our request and we are responsible. Let us make it clear that that is so.

Mr. Profumo

I have no doubt whose "chaps" they are. I am merely saying that since the negotiations are going on with the Government of Ghana, it would be prejudicial to them if I started to say what I thought would happen afterwards if they were not successful.