HC Deb 15 March 1984 vol 56 cc490-1
2. Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has had about the recruitment of mercenaries within the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. David Mellor)

We have received no such representations.

Mr. Proctor

When will my hon. Friend introduce legislation to implement the recommendations of the report of the three Privy Councillors who reported to this House in August 1976 about mercenaries, and, in particular, their recommendation 7 for introducing legislation to empower Her Majesty's Government to forbid the recruitment of mercenaries within the United Kingdom for specified armed forces abroad?

Mr. Mellor

I am afraid that I can hold out no prospect of any such legislation in the near future.