HL Deb 25 October 1967 vol 285 cc1651-2

2.42 p.m.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether it is true, as reported, that members of the Royal Navy's combined operations force have been engaged in clearing obstructions in waterways on the coast of Vietnam to provide passage for American naval vessels.]

LORD SHACKLETON

My Lords, there is no truth in this report.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, is my noble friend aware that I welcome that statement, and the opportunity to make it in this House? May I ask him for an assurance that no British official personnel are used to assist either the Administration in Saigon or the training of forces in the Vietnam war?

LORD SHACKLETON

My Lords, I am sorry that the noble Lord is not satisfied with the Answer I have already given. At the risk of going seriously out of order, I would say that I think the noble Lord was aware that Her Majesty's Government's policy of non-involvement in the Vietnam war is well known and does not need to be restated by me. And we have no intention of undertaking military operations of this or any other kind.

LORD ROWLEY

My Lords, in view of the almost world-wide publicity given to this statement, may I ask whether it is not surprising that the statement—a statement which apparently has no foundation—should have been published in this way?

LORD SHACKLETON

My Lords, I entirely agree with my noble friend. It is surprising, astonishing, and, I should have thought, highly irresponsible.

LORD BYERS

My Lords, may I ask the noble Lord whether there is any intention of sending this matter to the Press Council?

LORD SHACKLETON

My Lords, I do not think that that question arises directly from the Question on the Order Paper, but perhaps it does. I will see that the matter is considered. I am not familiar enough with the Press Council's responsibilities.