HC Deb 24 January 1984 vol 52 cc457-8W
Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what response he received from the Japanese Government to the proposal that HMS Invincible should visit Japanese ports.

Mr. Stanley

Discussions between Her Majesty's Government and the Japanese Government about the possible visit of HMS Invincible to Japan are confidential.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with the Philippines and the Americans regarding proposals that HMS Invincible should visit Subic Bay in the Philippines.

Mr. Stanley

Discussions about Royal Navy ship visits overseas are confidential between Her Majesty's Government and the Governments concerned.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the cost to public funds of cocktail parties given by officers of HMS Invincible during her far eastern tour.

Mr. Stanley

HMS Invincible has hosted seven official receptions so far on the current deployment at a cost to public funds of just under £3,000. A further three receptions are planned to be held during the remainder of the deployment at an expected cost to public funds of about £1,100.

Mr. Dalyell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what disciplinary action he is taking in respect of complaints by members of the crew of HMS Invincible that they are being used as skivvies.

Mr. Stanley

No such complaints have been made under the service complaints procedure, whereby complaints are required to be investigated thoroughly, by the Defence Council if need be.