HC Deb 07 May 1969 vol 783 cc430-1
11. Mr. Edward M. Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a further statement on the future of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, in light of the Second Report from the Committee on Public Petitions.

The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Army (Mr. James Boyden)

No, Sir.

Mr. Taylor

Did not the Report, by accepting more than I million valid signatures, demolish the critics of the petition? Does it not bring our system of Parliamentary democracy into disrepute if the Government are not prepared to find a place for the Argylls in their future planning, in view of this massive demonstration of public feeling?

Mr. Boyden

The hon. Gentleman asked me what light the Committee on Public Petitions had shed on the petition. The Committee said that there were I million signatures. I have never disputed that.

Mr. Manuel

Could my hon. Friend state, in the light of the scrutiny which was made, how many inaccuracies and actual forgeries were discovered?

Mr. Boyden

Fortunately, that is not a matter for me.