§ 53. Mr. Harold Daviesasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the reduction in the German contribution to the support 1009 of British forces in Germany from £47 million to £12 million for 1958–59, and in order to lessen tension in Europe, he will now consider withdrawing British troops from Germany.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer the hon. Member to the statement published in the OFFICIAL REPORT of 10th June, which explained the settlement reached on local defence costs and the undertaking given by Her Majesty's Government on the future strength of the British Army in Germany.
§ Mr. DaviesWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reply, may I say that the statement is in no way an indication that 55,000 troops in Germany are a useless token and that if anything were to happen these men would be trapped? Therefore, does not the Prime Minister think it would be worth while at this juncture to reconsider the defence plan for Central Europe and, as a token, withdraw these 55,000 troops and save the taxpayers' money?
§ The Prime MinisterI recognise the hon. Gentleman's views about the value of N.A.T.O., but I do not think they are shared by the great generality of the House, and therefore I have answered the Question in the way I have done.