HC Deb 22 June 1960 vol 625 cc409-10
24. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the Minister of Defence what plans he has for the establishment of a long-term base in Kenya.

Mr. Watkinson

We plan to station in Kenya the main elements of an infantry brigade group together with supporting R.A.F. personnel.

Mr. Stonehouse

Do we understand from the answer given to a supplementary question to Question No. 19 that there is no question of the bases in Kenya being developed unless with the full support of the people of Kenya?

Mr. Watkinson

As I think the hon. Gentleman knows, a great deal of building is going on at the moment for British forces in Kenya in order to give them proper living standards for that kind of job. That is perfectly right. There is no conflict, as I myself found recently when I was in Kenya, between what we are doing and local opinion.

Mr. Callaghan

Will the Minister bear in mind before any money is wasted that the balance of power in Kenya may well change further and, before we spend too much money, it is vitally important that he should have an assurance from those in the Government who will be in power that they support the defence arrangements?

Mr. Watkinson

I accept that we should be most unwise—indeed, it would not be right—to show by our actions in building bases that we thought we had the right to be there for ever and a day. We are not doing that.

Mr. Wall

Is there any evidence to show that the people of the three races in Kenya would not wish to make their contribution to Commonwealth defence?

Mr. Watkinson

As I said, I found in Kenya not long ago no objection to what we are doing, which is of great economic advantage to Kenya.