SERVICE TRANSPORT AND M.P.s' VISITS TO COMMONWEALTH

HL Deb 20 February 1962 vol 237 cc706-8WA

LORD FORBES

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether in future spare space in Royal Naval ships and Royal Air Force aeroplanes can be use to enable Members of Parliament to visit countries of the Commonwealth and Colonies in the interests of better understanding between the Commonwealth, the Colonies, and the Mother Country.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY (LORD CARRINGTON)

Every effort is made to fill R.A.F. transport aircraft with personnel travelling on duty. If vacant seats are available for other passengers, this would be known only at the last moment and no return passage could be guaranteed.

Similarly, passages in H.M. ships are rarely available and would be subject to cancellation or alteration at short notice.

I am afraid therefore that a general scheme for Parliamentary visits to the Commonwealth countries and dependent territories is not practicable. However, it may be possible, for example, to give some help in individual cases where a Member of Parliament is visiting a Forces' establishment overseas under Service arrangements.

House adjourned at twenty-two minutes past five o'clock.