§ Mr. Robin F. Cookasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether Major A. Nightingale was a serving officer at the time when he departed with Lord Carver on his mission in 1977 to Rhodesia; and, if so, whether he will make a statement on the policy of his Department on serving officers acting for hire through private companies.
§ Mr. MulleyYes; but at the time in question Major Nightingale was on leave at the end of his military service, having completed his release routine. There are no regulations to prevent personnel in this category from taking up civilian employment in advance of their release date.