HC Deb 24 November 1954 vol 533 cc1224-5
6. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Minister of Defence the annual cost of maintaining four Army divisions and a tactical air force in Germany.

Mr. H. Macmillan

The estimated total cost of maintaining our Forces now in Germany amounts to some £140 million a year. Towards this we are at present receiving a contribution of some £75 to £80 million from the Germans.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Was this figure known to the Government and borne in mind by them when agreeing to accept the liability of maintaining a force of this size in Germany for the next 44 years?

Mr. Macmillan

Yes, Sir, but the question is a little more complicated than the hon. and gallant Member seems to assume. I cannot better explain it than by calling attention to the admirable statement made by the right hon. Member for Leeds, South (Mr. Gaitskell) last Thursday, which I did my best both to amplify and to confirm.