HC Deb 02 July 1956 vol 555 cc986-7
47. Mr. Fenner Brockway

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs for a statement regarding the conclusions reached at the recent South-East Asia Treaty Organisation conference at Singapore, and particularly in regard to the relationship between the South-East Asia Treaty Organisation and Malaya.

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Selwyn Lloyd)

No, Sir. This was a meeting of Military Staff Officers and its proceedings were secret. It was in no way concerned with the relationship between the South-East Asia Treaty Organisation and the Federation of Malaya, which will be entirely a matter for the Government of the Federation to decide for itself when Malaya becomes independent.

Mr. Brockway

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that I do not refer to Malaya in the first part of the Question? In view of the military insignificance of S.E.A.T.O. and the fact that its economic aid could be given through the Colombo Plan and United Nations Agencies, and in view of the unpopularity of S.E.A.T.O. among the major nations of South East Asia, could the right hon. and learned Gentleman refer this to the Chancellor of the Exchequer as a suitable area for economy?

Mr. Lloyd

I am afraid I do not agree with any of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary points. This is a useful defensive organisation which is capable of helping a great deal to preserve the freedom and stability of the countries which are members of it.

Mr. Ridsdale

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that, without S.E.A.T.O., capital investment on the scale required in South East Asia could not be provided with security for either individuals or for Governments?

Mr. Lloyd

I think there is a great deal in what my hon. Friend says.