HC Deb 31 January 1956 vol 548 c747
33. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Secretary of State for War what effect the transfer of troops to Cyprus has had on the strategic reserve in this country.

Mr. Head

It has been reduced by the number of troops transferred to Cyprus.

Mr. Bellenger

Can the Minister tell the House of what the strategic reserve in this country now consists?

Mr. Head

The right hon. Gentleman knows as well as I do that it has never been the practice to give precise figures, which act as a most useful check-up for Intelligence services.

Mr. Bellenger

The right hon. Gentleman generally gives some information about the disposition of our troops in various commands. In his Estimates a couple of years ago he gave very detailed information. Can he not say what the strategic reserve in this country is or what he is aiming at?

Mr. Head

In last year's Estimates I stated most plainly what we were aiming at, but to give precise details at present of what we have in this country would, I think, be of great interest to other people.