HC Deb 28 June 1961 vol 643 cc43-4W
65. Mr. Kelley

asked the Minister of Defence what arrangements have been made regarding the extent to which German troops, undergoing training in the United Kingdom under North Atlantic Treaty Organisation arrangements, will be subject to British laws.

Mr. Watkinson

No such arrangements have been made because no agreement has yet been reached with the Federal German Government about the training of their units in this country; but before they can train here it will be necessary to apply the Visiting Forces Act. This would put them in the same position as troops of any other N.A.T.O. country here.

Mr. Hale

asked the Minister of Defence what undertakings have been given to the German Government regarding the subjection to British criminal law of German troops training in Wales and regarding liability to trial by British courts.

Mr. Watkinson

No undertakings have been given. Before German units can train here it will be necessary to take the normal action to apply the Visiting Forces Act.