HC Deb 13 February 1957 vol 564 cc1263-4
43. Mr. Fernyhough

asked the Minister of Defence if he will make a statement about the future contribution from the West German Government towards the cost of maintaining British Forces in Germany, having regard to his discussions at the conference of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Powers.

The Minister of Defence (Mr. Duncan Sandys)

Yes, Sir, as soon as the discussions with the German Government on this subject are concluded.

Mr. Fernyhough

But can the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that these discussions this year will be more successful than those of last year? Will he also make it perfectly clear to the German Government that since the upkeep of the troops—four divisions—costs approximately £170 million, and half of that is in hard currency, unless the Germans make a much more substantial contribution, he will have no other alternative but to bring the troops home?

Mr. Sandys

The discussions are going quite well so far, but I am not counting my chickens yet.

Mr. G. Brown

Will the Minister make it clear that our keeping troops in Germany is not a private bargain between us and the Germans? It is part of our contribution to N.A.T.O. and the defence of the West, and if that involves us in a hard currency loss, as it does, is that not a matter to be discussed with other partners in N.A.T.O. as well as Germany, to see what contribution they can make?

Mr. Sandys

That is quite correct.