HC Deb 13 February 1957 vol 564 cc1264-5
44. Mr. Swingler

asked the Minister of Defence if he will make a statement on his discussions with representatives of the United States Government on problems of defence, with particular reference to the provisions of the Mutual Defence Assistance Agreement.

49. Viscount Hinchingbrooke

asked the Minister of Defence whether he will make a statement on the purposes and results of his visit to the United States of America.

54. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of Defence his proposals with regard to the use of existing American-manned air bases in Britain as rocket bases; and if he will make a statement.

59. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Minister of Defence to what extent he discussed with the representatives of the United States Government the danger which might result to the civil population, following the establishment of additional rocket and guided-missiles sites in Britain; whether he stressed the fact that our present civil defence plans estimate that 12 million British citizens may have to be evacuated in the event of war; if he is satisfied that, as a result of his conversations, the increased risks of attack upon this country by rockets and hydrogen bombs will be offset by increased efficiency in defence; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Sandys

I would refer the hon. Members to the statement I made on Wednesday, 6th February, to which I have at present nothing to add.

Mr. Swingler

Is the Minister aware that his statement on 6th February made no reference to the Mutual Defence Assistance Agreement, and are we, therefore, to conclude from that that there was no discussion in Washington about that Agreement? Further, is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Agreement specifies that equipment supplied by the United States may be used only for purposes approved by the United States Government and N.A.T.O., and as that Agreement was violated when Her Majesty's Government chose to invade Egypt—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] Yes, certainly—was this subject not raised at all in Washington.

Mr. Sandys

We discussed more agreeable matters.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Minister aware that he has not exactly answered Question No. 59? Did he inform the United States authorities about the dangers that are ever present to the island as a result of this strategy, and do they really understand that the Civil Defence authorities estimate that 12 million people would have to be evacuated, and did he ask whether any of those 12 million would be evacuated to the United States of America?

Mr. Sandys

In the debate this afternoon I propose to say something about rockets and hydrogen bombs—that is, Mr. Speaker, if I am fortunate enough to catch your eye.

Mr. Rankin

Is the Minister aware that he has made no reference to Question No. 54, which stands in my name? Could he say whether it is intended to employ all the existing American-manned bases as rocket bases, and will the present bases continue to be used as rocket bases even although, as at present, they are sometimes on the edge of existing towns?

Mr. Sandys

I think that it would be premature for the hon. Gentleman to make those assumptions.