Never say Dai, Gladys

Date: 21/03/1996

Prepare for another round of “Euro MPs in junket horror” stories as the first of this year's biannual gatherings of EU and ACP parliamentarians draws to a close.

The event has reminded one Lomé veteran of an experience while attending a meeting in Uganda which left him hot and more than a little bothered.

Welsh Labour MEP Dai Morris was minding his own business when he was approached by three ladies in the services sector offering him hands-on experience of what are known in British circles as Ugandan discussions.

Dai understandably made his excuses and left, but you do not avoid the seamy side of life as easily as that.

On his way back to his hotel room, he couldn't help noticing a large poster advertising even more Ugandan delights: “Massage Parlour - See Gladys.”

Dai is still getting over the ordeal. “Gladys? I thought my constituents were following me,” he recalls.

Just remember that the next time you see a story about MEPs carousing on sun-drenched beaches or in air-conditioned discos.

There is more to these trips than that, you know.