§ 65 and 66. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will obtain from the Chief Constable a report on the strength of the police force in Aberystwyth during the second week in April, 1969, as compared with the similar period in 1968;
(2) what is the cost to public funds of the security arrangements connected with the Prince of Wales's stay at Aberystwyth; and if he will obtain from the Chief Constable a report as to how many officers were on duty there during the week ended 25th April and what was their weekly pay.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThere were 19 police officers on duty in Aberystwyth in the week ended 19th April, 1969, compared with 22 in the corresponding week last year. The number on duty during the week of Prince Charles arrival was 121 whose total pay came to £2,650 5s. 10d. This was a temporary measure and the number in succeeding weeks will be substantially reduced.
§ Mr. HughesWould not my hon. Friend agree that it would have saved public funds if the Prince of Wales had 948 been taught Welsh either by tape-recorder or over the telephone or if a tutor had been sent to Buckingham Palace?
§ Mr. ReesIt was decided that this should be done practically in Wales and that in any case it would be an excellent thing for the future Monarch to have lived in Wales. In view of that and of the possibility that something foolish might happen—both my hon. Friend and I know Cardiff General Station—my answer shows that the chief constable is aware of his duties.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIs it not time that this sort of Question ceased to be asked? Should not this particular undergraduate have a chance to get on with his studies like the rest without all this kind of publicity-seeking intervention from outside?
§ Mr. ReesI agree that it would be an excellent thing if Prince Charles could now have peace and quiet in which to get on with his studies in this excellent Welsh university, but it is not for me to suggest that the House should ever cease from asking Questions.