HC Deb 27 February 1957 vol 565 cc1205-6
6. Mr. E. Fletcher

asked the Minister of Defence if he will now announce what proposals he is making to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation for a reduction of the British forces in Germany.

Mr. Sandys

I cannot at present add to my Answer to the right hon. Member for Belper (Mr. G. Brown) on 20th February.

Mr. Fletcher

Could the Minister clarify the issue? Bearing in mind that we are making a disproportionate contribution to N.A.T.O. defence in comparison with our allies, will the right hon. Gentleman confirm that it is our policy to seek a reduction of our burden, not only our manpower burden, but also our economic burden, in view of the fact that, unlike our allies, we have to incur the cost of stationing troops abroad?

Mr. Sandys

I think it is public knowledge that we are at present in the course of consulting our allies on this question.

Mr. G. Brown

Does the Minister realise that so far as one can discover, this House is the only place which does not know officially what he is proposing? The other nations all know; the Press is pretty well informed. Would it not be a good thing if he told the House what is being put forward ultimately in our name?

Mr. Sandys

I really think that it is not customary, nor is it really a good plan, to precede diplomatic negotiations with other Governments by publication of one's views in the House of Commons.

Mr. Shinwell

While not seeking in any way to weaken N.A.T.O. defence in the present circumstances, will not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it would be unwise to allow the United Kingdom Government, in these negotiations, to be intimidated by other Governments which have not made so valuable a contribution as has the United Kingdom?

Mr. Sandys

I do not think that anybody who attended the conference of Western European Union yesterday had any impression that Her Majesty's Government were being intimidated.