§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what Ministers from his Department have made official visits to the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man since 1979; who is responsible for meeting the costs of such visits; and what arrangements there are for Opposition spokesmen with relevant responsibilities to make such visits.
§ Mr. MellorSince 1979 Lord Whitelaw. Lord Belstead and Lord Elton have visited the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. My right hon. and learned Friend has visited the Isle of man and will visit the Channel Islands at the end of April. The costs of travel to and from the islands are borne by Her Majesty's Government; the island authorities normally bear the cost of local accommodation, travel and other expenses.
All such visits are by invitation of the Island Governments and reflect the Home Secretary's role as the member of the Privy Council responsible for the unique relationship between these dependencies and the Crown. The special nature of that responsibility affords no basis for similar visits by Opposition spokesmen.