HC Deb 26 February 1976 vol 906 cc285-6W
Q9. Mr. Eldon Griffiths

asked the Prime Minister, what evidence he has to support his statement (Official Report, 10th February, column 239) that the organisers of British mercenaries' activities in Angola are crooks; and if he intends to submit this evidence to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Q28. Sir Frederic Bennett

asked the Prime Minister what evidence he has for his statement that those who organised the recruitment of mercenaries are smalltime crooks; and if he will refer this evidence to the Director of Public Prosecutions with a view to prosecution.

The Prime Minister

My statement was that those organising the recruitment of mercenaries were members of a small group of small-time crooks with records". Of five persons known to have comprised this group, four have criminal records for offences of dishonesty or violence or both. I am informed by my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General that the Director of Public Prosecutions is fully aware of this. It was and is highly desirable that the public should be so aware.