West Africa Command

HC Deb 07 February 1956 vol 548 c1481

9. Mr. Wigg

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now make a statement on the future of West Africa Command.

Mr. Head

Not yet, Sir.

Mr. Wigg

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on 4th November the West African Army Advisory Council, including representatives of four West African Governments and presumably representatives of the Colonial Office, issued a Press statement to the effect that the headquarters of West Africa Command would cease to exist on 1st July, 1956? Surely it is about time that the right hon. Gentleman made up his mind on this important subject.

Mr. Head

The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that this is not entirely my concern. Certain consultations are going on with the Governors concerned and the Colonial Office, and I cannot anticipate the agreement in all its aspects.