HC Deb 12 December 1956 vol 562 cc411-2
12. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Minister of Defence what British troops are now stationed in Jordan.

Mr. Birch

I have been asked to reply.

The British Army troops consist of one Royal Armoured Corps regiment, one infantry company and one artillery battery. The Royal Air Force units are one squadron, one maintenance unit, one signals unit and one light anti-aircraft wing.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Now that the Jordan Government have decided to abrogate the Anglo-Jordanian Treaty, could the Minister say whom the British troops are defending against what? Or are the Government waiting for orders from Jordan to clear out?

Mr. Birch

The troops are there in accordance with the Treaty, which has not yet been finally abrogated.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the troops are stationed as before or are now concentrated in all-round defence?

Mr. Birch

I think I am correct in saying that the Army units are as before, but the Air Force is concentrated at Mafrak.