§ Mr. Ashtonasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will state, for each of the past five years, the numsber of journalists entertained to trips abroad by his Department; what was the total cost of the trips; whether this cost included a realistic cost of air transport and hospitality in Service messes; what is the reason for sending such journalists; what is the basis on which they are chosen; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WellbelovedThe figures are only available for the year beginning 1st April 1975. In that time 319 members of the100W media went on facility visits to the Services overseas. In most cases there was no extra cost to public funds because empty seats were available on normal RAF trooping flights. Some commercial flights to destinations where no RAF flights were available cost £2,778 in this period.
Journalists normally pay for their own accommodation, although they are sometimes invited to be the guests of a unit, and in that case the cost is met by unit non-public funds.
These facilities arc arranged to keep the public as fully informed as possible of the activities of the Services overseas, to support recruiting, and maintain regimental links with local and provincial papers, and to inform the public of the activities and exercises of NATO. Some journalists request a visit to a particular unit or area. Others are invited by the Ministry of Defence. Each case is considered in the light of the objectives have already mentioned.
§ Mr. Ashtonasked the Secretary of State for Defence how many journalists have been taken to Hong Kong since January 1976; what was the length of stay; and what was the cost to his Department.
§ Mr. WellbelovedEight journalists have been taken to Hong Kong since January 1976. On average their stay was eight days. There was no extra cost to public funds since they took vacant places on normal RAF trooping flights.