HC Deb 20 March 1963 vol 674 cc55-6W
21. Mr. Greenwood

asked the Lord Privy Seal why Her Majesty's Government have requested the Soviet Government not to allow the Red Army detachment to make public appearances at meetings or other functions in this country.

Mr. Heath

No such general request was made. I presume, however, that the question refers to the invitation extended to the Soviet Army Choir to appear at the Daily Worker Rally. We informed the Soviet authorities that, as the Choir came to this country under the Anglo-Soviet Cultural Agreement, it should not be associated with events that have a direct bearing on domestic politics. The Soviet authorities accepted this.