HC Deb 26 June 1963 vol 679 cc1315-7
8. Mr. Brockway

asked the Minister of Defence what arrangements are being made to enable forces to reach the High Commission Territories without utilising airports of the Republic of South Africa available only with the permission of its Government.

Mr. Thorneycroft

We have had arrangements for some years for air access to the Territories.

Mr. Brockway

While deploring the use of troops in Kenya, without even will be susceptible to, but I shall do my best.

Dr. King

Is the Minister aware that the anomalous treatment of the pre-1958 Service pensioner is a hardship and an injustice both to older Service men and to the widows of former Service men? Will he take note of the very serious representations made again and again from both sides of the House calling attention to this matter?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I think that the hon. Member is raising a rather wider question of parity. These Questions are related to a difference in treatment between pre- and post-1958 widows according to the date of their bereavement. It is to that question that I am directing my mind at the moment.

Following is the Answer:

the consent of the Kenya Government, and their use in Swaziland, does not the right hon. Gentleman realise the dangers that are implicit if British troops are to get to Southern African territories only with the consent of the Republican Government and the use of its airfields?

Mr. Thorneycroft

The hon. Gentleman asks what arrangements were made. We did not use South Africa as a staging post in this dispute.

Mr. Brockway

Is it not the case that before those troops were used in Swaziland the permission of the Republic of South Africa had to be obtained so that their airfields at Johannesburg could be used?

Mr. Thorneycroft

No, we did not use them.