§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence on what date, and at what level, the decision was taken to permit administrative facilities at(a) Wellington Barracks, (b) Catterick Barracks and (c) other premises within his responsibility to be used for (i) answering phone calls, (ii) replying to mail and (iii) other activities associated with the campaign for the release of guardsmen Fisher and Wright; and what was the cost to public funds. [56297]
446W
§ Mr. George RobertsonThe Fisher and Wright Release Group is an independent organisation which is run by former members of the Scots Guards and is not supported from public funds. The Group was not permitted the use of Army administration facilities in connection with its campaign, nor was assistance provided from any Army establishment.
The Group consists of former members of the Regiment who are entitled to enter the Scots Guards Regimental Headquarters. They thus held their initial meetings at Wellington Barracks in 1997. The Regimental Colonel subsequently directed that these meetings should cease to take place within the Headquarters. The Group has used a P.O. Box number as a point of contact since 10 July 1997 and has not held any further meetings at the Regimental Headquarters.
As the two Guardsmen are still members of the Scots Guards, its Regimental Headquarters has inevitably been a natural focal point for ex-Servicemen who wish to express their support for the Release Group's activities. Any telephone calls or letters that have been received for this purpose have, however, been immediately redirected to the Release Group.
My Department has also received a number of representations both in support of and against the Guardsmen.