HC Deb 02 December 1959 vol 614 c1169
23. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Secretary of State for War what reductions in officers and other ranks at the disposal of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation it is intended to make in 1960; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Soames

I am unable to make any statement at present.

Mr. Shinwell

Is not that a very unsatisfactory reply in view of the statements which have appeared recently in the Press, in the form of several articles by alleged military experts who seem to be in close contact with N.A.T.O. and who make specific statements about reductions? In view of the fact that the Belgian Government have already made several reductions and in view of the defection of the French due to physical difficulties, is not it necessary that we should know what are the intentions of Her Majesty's Government?

Mr. Soames

I can only repeat that, where the British Army of the Rhine is concerned at present, I cannot comment further.

Mr. Shinwell

When will the hon. Gentleman be able to make a comment?

Mr. Soames

I cannot say.

Mr. G. Brown

Does not the Minister agree that this is a serious matter? We are now at the end of 1959 and the situation in N.A.T.O. is causing everyone a great deal of concern, as those of us who were at the recent conference at Washington well know. Does he mean that we have under consideration making a further cut next year?

Mr. Soames

I can only suggest that the right hon. Gentleman is not necessarily right in assuming that, but at present I cannot make a statement.