HC Deb 17 June 1959 vol 607 cc414-6
5. Mr. G. Brown

asked the Minister of Defence what request he has received from the Supreme Allied Command in Europe for the basing in Great Britain of additional air force units.

Mr. Sandys

The Supreme Allied Commander in Europe has informally discussed with us the problems which might arise in certain eventualities, but he has not made any formal request to us.

Mr. Brown

I am glad that I have enabled the Minister of Defence to take his proper place in the hierarchy. On this matter, will he, perhaps, think it wise to take this occasion to allay a good deal of feeling in the country by making plain that, if a formal request is required, or even during these informal discussions, it will be a major part of our position that the undertaking the right hon. Gentleman read out earlier applying to all existing American aeroplanes will apply to these if they have to come?

Mr. Sandys

Of course, there can be no question about that.

Mr. Shinwell

Reverting to the explanation given a few moments ago by the Minister of Defence, what is the distinction between the Supreme Command and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation? Is not the Supreme Command an integral part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, responsible for defence matters?

Mr. Sandys

I did not say "the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation". I referred to the North Atlantic Council, which is a political body. The Supreme Commander and his Headquarters are a military body, and that is the difference.

Mr. Shinwell

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. If that is so, I should like to direct your attention to the fact that my Question No. 29 and, I believe, the Question put down by my hon. Friend the Member for Salford, East (Mr. Frank Allaun) refer to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and not to the North Atlantic Council. Is the Minister of Defence aware that some of us are familiar with the nomenclatures?

Mr. Speaker

I could only repeat what I said before, but I shall not waste time by doing so.