HC Deb 08 April 1970 vol 799 cc536-8
28. Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Defence on what basis hon. Members are selected by his Department to visit British Forces overseas; and what steps are taken to ensure that all such Members are enabled to carry out the full programme planned for them, in view of the incidents which occurred on a visit to Her Majesty's Forces in Cyprus by Members in September, 1965.

Mr. Healey

The answer to the first part of the Question is that Members of groups on parliamentary visits to the British Forces in overseas commands are selected under arrangements made through the usual channels. As regards the second part, I can assure my hon. Friend that all commands have in the past done their utmost to ensure that the planned programmes are carried out in full, and will, of course, continue to do so in the future.

Mr. Hamilton

Does my right hon. Friend recall that on the occasion of the visit mentioned in the Question an hon. Gentleman opposite took the car of a commanding officer without permission and used it for his own private purposes, and that that hon. Member is now writing a book or pamphlet for the Tory Central Office on law and order, with particular reference to malicious trespass? Will my right hon. Friend undertake to read that pamphlet, which has clearly been written by a person of authority on the matter?

Mr. Healey

In reply to the second part of the supplementary question, I cannot in all conscience undertake to read the pamphlet. In reply to the first part of the supplementary question, I think the House will agree that I am not responsible for the behaviour of hon. Members overseas or inside the House.

Sir G. Nabarro

But what the right hon. Gentleman is responsible for is his own Department. Can he give the House an assurance that there will be no repetition in Cyprus of the deprivation of Servicemen of their votes in the forthcoming General Election? When hon. Members visit Cyprus, will those deprived electors in the Armed Forces have absolute access to hon. Members, including myself, without let or hindrance from the right hon. Gentleman?

Mr. Healey

The hon. Member is obviously excited about some personal experience.

Sir G. Nabarro

No, indignant.

Mr. Healey

If he will give me details of that experience, I will see if there is anything whatever that I ought to do or say about it.