§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of fares and hospitality in arranging for journalists to visit his Department's facilities in 1987; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ian StewartThe cost of arranging for journalists to visit MOD facilities during 1987–88 is expected to be in the region of £28,000.
§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost to his Department of the visit by reporter Ian Bevitt and photographer Rod Sibbald, including fares and hospitality, to Belize; how many briefings were given to them; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ian StewartTravel costs of about £175 were met by my Department and the journalists concerned were hosted at the expense of the unit they visited in Belize, which recruits from the readership area of their newspaper. They received briefing at HQ British forces and at three Army and RAF units in Belize.