HC Deb 10 July 1963 vol 680 cc149-50W
58 and 59. Mr. W. Yates

asked the Minister of Defence (1) if he will place in the Library a copy of Exercise Orders for the adventure training on the Yemen border in which four Service men were killed;

(2) how many of the group of British Service men released from the Yemen were carrying Army compasses; and how many had passed the colloquial Arabic Army examination;

(3) how many navigating officers were among the group of British Service men who recently crossed the Yemen border.

Mr. Thorneycroft

As my hon. Friend knows, the Commander-in-Chief, Middle East, has ordered an inquiry into this incident. The information for which I am asked is relevant to the matters which the court of inquiry has been set up to examine. I would prefer not to draw attention to particular aspects of this incident until the inquiry has been completed and the Commander-in-Chief and I have had an opportunity to consider its findings.

Mr. W. Yates

asked the Minister of Defence which Command approved the training areas on the Yemen border for the Services at Aden.

Mr. Thorneycroft

The Middle East Command.

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