HC Deb 13 May 1971 vol 817 cc603-4
14. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of his official engagements for Saturday, 5th June, 1971.

Lord Balniel

It is not the practice to do so.

Mr. Lewis

Is the Minister aware that before the Government sell us out to the Common Market—I realise that they are already harmonising their evasive and negative replies, because this is the kind of reply we get to all these Questions—there is a very important anti-Common Market rally being held in Westminster which he and the Government should attend? Would he not be better employed there than giving evasive replies?

Lord Balniel

My reply was not in the least bit evasive. If this important meeting is taking place in the Houses of Parliament on 5th June, I am sure that the whole House will welcome the hon. Gentleman's attendance in the House.

Mr. John Wells

Is my hon. Friend aware that 5th June is the day on which King George III's birthday will be celebrated near Windsor? Surely he should be in attendance there.

Lord Balniel

I am flattered that my attendance is required at so many places, but I have to inform the House that I shall not even be in the country on that day.

Major-General Jack d'Avigdor-Goldsmid

Is my hon. Friend aware that that is the day on which the Oaks race is run?