§ 41. Mr. Follickasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, in view of the fact that North Atlantic Treaty Organisation troops are to be substituted for a British garrison in Bermuda after two and a half centuries, if he will inform the House from what country, or countries, these troops are to be drawn; and for what reason the existing garrison in this British Colony is to be replaced by troops other than British.
§ Mr. BirchThe British garrison, which is being withdrawn because the men are required elsewhere, will not be replaced by N.A.T.O. troops. There are adequate local forces for the defence of the Colony, which is the responsibility in the first instance of the Colony itself. The responsibility of N.A.T.O. for the overall defence of Bermuda, which lies in the area of the Supreme Commander, Atlantic, remains unchanged.
§ Mr. FollickIs the Minister aware that I put this Question down to be answered by the Prime Minister? As the Prime Minister is here, and as this is likely to be a very important question, which concerns a very old British Colony, it would 1860 have been very welcome if the answer could have come from him. Is he also aware that large sections of the Press, including the Tory Press, have stated categorically that the defence of Bermuda is going to be the responsibility of N.A.T.O. Since when have British Colonies been taken out of the hands of the British people and handed over to the generosity of N.A.T.O.?