§ Mr. Pardoeasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the proposed use of service Rugby pitches at Aldershot or Portsmouth for the match between Oxford University and South Africa on 5th November; and how many troops will be used to protect the pitch.
§ Mr. HattersleyAn informal approach was made to the United Services Sports Club for use of the Portsmouth ground. There was also a requirement that the use of the ground for this fixture should not be made public until the morning of the match. The match was originally planned to be played at the ground of the Oxford 141W University Rugby Club. The change of venue was proposed because of the controversy which surrounded this fixture. I concluded that it would be inappropriate in all the circumstances to agree to the using of a Ministry of Defence ground for this match.