HC Deb 13 December 1961 vol 651 cc423-4
12. Mr. Zilliacus

asked the Minister of Defence why Royal Air Force V-bombers based on Singapore are being exercised for the contingency of a war with China.

Mr. Amery

I have been asked to reply.

No Royal Air Force V-bombers are permanently based in Singapore. It is our policy to exercise the mobility of aircraft of Bomber Command by flights to many distant places overseas, including Singapore, where they stay for short periods.

Mr. Zilliacus

Would the right hon. Gentleman reply to the Question, which was why they are being trained for the contingency of a war with China? Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that a war with China would in all probability be started under S.E.A.T.O. by United States policy, such as intervening in the internal affairs of Vietnam with which this country does not agree, and will he give an assurance that we will not be involved in war for such policies?

Mr. Amery

Visits of V-bombers to Singapore are purely meant to give the maximum training in the greatest variety of climatic and geographical conditions.

Sir C. Osborne

Would my right hon. Friend not agree that this unfortunately worded Question—

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member cannot ask the Minister to express an opinion on an hon. Member's Question.

Sir C. Osborne

In view of the feeling in China that there may be trouble caused from the West, and since this country has no intention of conducting a war with China, is not this a most unfortunately worded Question?

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member does not follow. The feeling in China does not alter the rules of the House. One of the first rules about Questions is that hon. Members cannot ask a Minister for an expression of opinion.