§ 6. Sir G. Nabarroasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, why invitations were issued in his name to Mr. Sam Russell and Mr. Lance Samson, care of the Labour Press Co-operative Society Limited, to attend a Government reception at Lancaster House on 7th June 1967, in view of the fact that neither has ever been employed by this co-operative society; and what steps he is taking to prevent such wastage of public funds.
§ Mr. George BrownThe invitations referred to were for a reception for some of the British and overseas Press in London. Such receptions are arranged from time to time. These invitations were intended for two of the staff of the Morning Star but, owing to a clerical error, they were sent to the Morning News at 348 Gray's Inn Road, which at one time was also the address of the Labour Press Co-operative Society Limited.
The cost to public funds of sending these invitations was 8d. whereas the cost of answering this Parliamentary Question has been about £5.
§ Sir G. NabarroAnd it is £5 very well spent! Will the Foreign Secretary say how blunders of this kind occur? If nonexistent members of the Communist and the Labour Party are to be invited to Lancaster House junketings without proper checks, what has he got to say 1519 about the security aspects of it, among other things?
§ Mr. BrownThese communications went in sealed envelopes. They were neither forwarded to the addressee nor returned to the sender. It would be interesting to know how the hon. Gentleman knows what was inside them.
§ Sir G. NabarroOn a point of order. In view of the Foreign Secretary's answer I will immediately remit to him my file of correspondence, which he may publish.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. That is not a point of order.