HC Deb 15 November 1955 vol 546 cc195-6
36. Mr. Gordon Walker

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will withdraw half the British troops now in British Guiana.

39. Mr. Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will withdraw the battalion of the Black Watch now in British Guiana, leaving only one or at the most two companies in the Colony.

Mr. Head

The need for retaining the present garrison in British Guiana will be reviewed as soon as the new Governor has had the opportunity of assessing the situation.

Mr. Gordon Walker

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the War Office will not insist upon a battalion as being the smallest possible unit and thereby commit us to keep more troops than are needed in a British Colony?

Mr. Head

I assure the right hon. Gentleman that I am extremely anxious to get whatever troops I can anywhere back to this country.

Mr. Fisher

Is my right hon. Friend aware that those of us who have been there recently think that this step could be taken without undue political risk in the Colony, and indeed with political and psychological advantage to it?

Mr. Head

That is more a matter for my right hon. Friend the Colonial Secretary.