§ 75. Mr.Noel-Bakerasked the Prime Minister what is the strength of the Italian armed forces now in Libya?
§ Mr. ButlerI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 8th March to the hon. Member for Southwark, Central (Mr. Day), to which I have nothing to add.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerHave the Government considered whether the Italian text of the agreement does not make it plain that the reduction to 30,000 was to be a fixed reduction and not liable to increase at the will of the Italian Government?
§ Mr. ButlerI have already given my view and the view of the Government upon this matter several times, and I do not think I have anything to add to it.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerDo the Government hold that an increase beyond 30,000 is or is not in accordance with the text?
§ Mr. ButlerI do not think we can regard the original document in this respect as perpetual.