HC Deb 29 March 1955 vol 539 cc194-5
44. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Secretary of State for War the effect in saving of manpower on the British Army of the Australian and New Zealand participation in the defence of Malaya and the South-East Asia area.

Mr. Head

So far as Australia is concerned, the matter is now being considered by their Government. New Zealand will send a Special Air Service Squadron to Malaya which will meet an existing commitment.

Mr. Bellenger

Can the Secretary of State say whether that is all that New Zealand is going to do? Are not they making arrangements for a division, in certain circumstances, for the defence of the South-East Asia area? Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the British Army will benefit, as far as individual postings are concerned in that area, by the saving of journeys of British soldiers to the area for defence purposes?

Mr. Head

I understood the right hon. Gentleman's Question to refer to the contribution now, in peace. If he is referring to possible contributions in war, I do not think that that has an immediate effect on our manpower problem in peace.

Mr. Bellenger

Does this mean that there will be no saving whatever of British Army manpower under the new arrangement?

Mr. Head

Until the size and nature of the Australian contribution is decided. I cannot answer that question.

Mr. Wigg

Is not it likely that the contributions from both Australia and New Zealand will be very small, in view of the fact that the total size of the New Zealand Army is about 2,000 and that of the Australian Army about 40,000?

Mr. Head

Yes, Sir. I should like to say that this contribution from New Zealand is a most welcome and important one, but it will not have a major effect on our manpower commitments.