HC Deb 12 February 1958 vol 582 cc373-5
17 and 30. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Minister of Defence (1) to what extent in his defence plans he now assumes that a British army in Germany is essential for the defence of Great Britain;

(2) to what extent he estimates that this country is now vulnerable to bombardment by rockets from submarines; and what defensive measures he proposes to adopt in view of this new danger.

19. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Minister of Defence the cost of maintaining British Forces in Germany, with particular reference to the strategic reserve.

25. Mr. E. Fletcher

asked the Minister of Defence how many British troops it is intended shall be stationed in Germany during the current year.

26. Mr. Lipton

asked the Minister of Defence what further reductions will be made in British commitments in Germany.

29. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Defence to what extent it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to reduce our forces in Germany.

Mr. Sandys

I would ask hon. Members to await the publication of the Defence White Paper tomorrow.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

In anticipation of the White Paper, could the right hon. Gentleman tell us how, in the event of this country being bombed, our soldiers in Germany will be able to defend their women and children at home?

Mr. Shinwell

On Question No. 29, my Question which has been included with the others, do I understand that the right hon. Gentleman proposes in the White Paper to be issued tomorrow to tell us to what extent it is proposed to reduce our forces in Germany? Does he propose to do that, and, if he does so, does he intend to suggest that we ought to reduce our forces in Germany to the extent that the Germans increase their forces?

Mr. Sandys

I will send the right hon. Gentleman a copy of the White Paper as soon as it is issued.

Mr. Shinwell

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that we do not expect to be treated with contempt when we ask a fair question? We are not seeking to criticise the right hon. Gentleman, but we merely wish to ascertain what is the position. This is a vital matter of interest to all hon. Members, and one which justifies a rather better Answer.

Mr. Sandys

I assure the right hon. Gentleman that the last thing I want to do is to treat him with any discourtesy. I have great respect for him and for the service he has rendered to this country. All I wanted to make clear is that, in the White Paper, I am dealing carefully, in a considered manner, with what is a difficult and delicate question, the size of our forces in Germany, at a time when difficult negotiations are in progress. I would prefer it, if the right hon. Gentleman would allow it, if he were to read the full and considered statement there—it is longer than I can give in answer to supplementary questions—rather than ask me to give off-the-cuff short answers on the matter.

Mr. Chetwynd

Is the Minister aware that Question No. 19 is concerned not with the future shape of our forces or the cost of our forces in Germany, but with the current cost of keeping them in Germany? May we not have that simple figure now?

Mr. Sandys

I have not got it with me. Subject to correction, I think it is about 54 million in Deutschmarks, which is the important figure. That may be a slightly incorrect figure.

Mr. E. Fletcher

Will the Minister give an assurance, whatever the White Paper may say tomorrow, that the number of our forces in Germany will be conditioned upon our getting an adequate financial contribution from the German Government?

Mr. Sandys

That is, of course, one of the issues that I shall be dealing with in the White Paper.

Mr. Lipton

Why has the right hon. Gentleman arranged for the publication of the Defence White Paper the day after he is "reachable" by Questions in this House? Would it not have been perhaps a little more courageous to have published the White Paper this morning or yesterday, knowing that he is the first Minister to answer Questions today?

Mr. Sandys

I must say that that question did not occur to me, but if the White Paper had been published this morning it would have made my task now very much easier.