HC Deb 26 June 1963 vol 679 cc1335-7
39. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Secretary of State for War the cost of sending troops to Swaziland.

42. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for War what regiments of British troops and how many men have been sent for service in Swaziland; when they were sent there; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ramsden

The troops arrived in Swaziland between 13th and 18th June. The force is composed of the First Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders and certain supporting sub-units. The movement costs are about £110,000.

Mr. Shinwell

Does the hon. Gentleman seek to justify this expenditure on the dispatch of the Gordon Highlanders to Swaziland for the purpose of assisting to break a strike? Is he aware that there has been for many years a definite understanding in the War Office, and in the Service Departments generally, that troops are not to be deployed for the purpose of strike breaking? Why this expenditure at this time?

Mr. Ramsden

I canont go beyond what my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence said a few minutes ago in reply to a similar question from the right hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Is not strike breaking by troops sent to Swaziland for that purpose a disgraceful abuse of the purpose for which men join the Army? Will the Under-Secretary take steps to see that this disgraceful practice and abuse is abolished and not used any more?

Mr. Ramsden

I cannot accept what the hon. and learned Member says about strike breaking. British troops are properly used for the preservation of law and order.

Mr. Shinwell

Will the Under-Secretary seek to justify what he has just said by informing the House whether it is not the fact that there was only some disorder as a result of a strike having taken place, and that the troops were sent in order to force the men back to work, which, in fact, happened after the troops had been there for some little time? Was it not a clear case of sending troops for the purpose of breaking a strike?

Mr. Ramsden

I have nothing to add to my original Answer to the right hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Hector Hughes

In view of the very unsatisfactory Answer given by the Under-Secretary, I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.