HC Deb 10 February 1960 vol 617 c435
5. Mr. Birch

asked the Minister of Defence if he will give the latest estimate made by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation of the number of Soviet divisions in Eastern Germany at the present time.

Mr. Watkinson

I can give my right hon. Friend the British estimate—twenty-line divisions—which I think he can regard as valid.

Mr. Birch

Is not the figure rather higher than the figure previously given—twenty-two divisions?

Mr. Watkinson

I did not think there was any substantial change in the estimate. I was unable to give my right hon. Friend the N.A.T.O. estimate merely because it is not within my power to disclose it.