HC Deb 03 November 1966 vol 735 cc147-8W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why a Private Secretary, in addition to the Minister of State, attended the Berlin Police Show and International Police Exhibition at Hanover between 4th and 8th September; what were the results of the visit; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

It is customary for a Minister travelling abroad on official business to be accompanied by a Private Secretary. This visit provided the Minister of State with a valuable opportunity for the study and discussion of police problems and methods.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement on the visit of the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State on 8th and 9th October to Holland to attend a meeting of the Steering Committee of the Bilderberg Conference; what was the object of the Conference; and what other activities were undertaken by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary during this visit.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

The Joint Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State attended the meeting on 9th October in a personal capacity as one of the two British members of the Steering Committee. The other member on this occasion was the hon. Member for Torquay (Sir F. Bennett). The Steering Committee discussed the agenda for the next Bilderberg Conference, which is a forum for discussion of various international questions. No other activities were undertaken during this visit.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement on the visits made by the Joint Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State on 8th to 22nd June to Yugoslavia to the Seminar on the Multi-National Society; why it was necessary for two Ministers and a Private Secretary to attend; and what results were obtained by these visits.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

As stated in my reply to the hon. Member's Question on 27th October, the two Ministers alternated as United Kingdom representatives at this Seminar; they did not attend simultaneously. Each Minister was accompanied by his Private Secretary, in accordance with normal practice. The United Kingdom Government has given consistent support to these Seminars, and I am sure that our participation has been valuable.—[OFFICIAL REPORT; Vol. 734, c.214.]