HC Deb 26 June 1963 vol 679 cc1312-3
7. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Defence what units of Her Majesty's Forces were sent to Swaziland.

Mr. Thorneycroft

The 1st Battalion, Gordon Highlanders.

Mr. Shinwell

Have we so many troops available that we can afford to send the Gordon Highlanders to Swaziland for the purposes of strike breaking? Is not it completely a pretence to say that these troops were sent to preserve law and order when in fact the strikers were dispersed immediately after the troops arrived?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I must refer the right hon. Gentleman to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Colonial Secretary on 18th June in which he dealt fully with this matter.

Mr. Brockway

Can the right hon. Gentleman be happy that British troops should be used to suppress a strike by workers whose maximum wage is 30s a week? Is it right to ask British soldiers to do that kind of job?

Mr. Thorneycroft

A lot of questions were asked of my right hon. Friend on this point, and answered, and I do not think I can carry the matter further.

Mr. Frank Allaun

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Has not the Minister of Defence a personal responsibility on this kind of issue?

Mr. Speaker

I cannot make the right hon. Gentleman answer or not answer. Nor can I dictate his responsibility. We must get on.