asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation why it was necessary to have a guard for Dr. oestereich who was detained at London Airport when seeking to attend the conference organised by the National Committee of Teachers for Peace Conference; and how many guards were supplied by his Department each hour for the hourly charge of 8s.

Whenever an alien is refused leave to land and is detained under the Aliens Order pending his removal from the United Kingdom, an escort is provided to ensure both the safe custody and the welfare of the passenger. A single escort throughout the detention period was in this case provided by the airline and not by my Department.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that one guard at 8s. an hour is a pretty high payment?

These figures have been agreed between the various operating companies. It is a long story. It is a great pity that the hon. Gentleman does not carry out his undertaking to raise this matter on the Adjournment at an early date.

Mr. Speaker, I beg to give notice once again that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.