HC Deb 19 July 1961 vol 644 cc1232-3
33. Mr. Dugdale

asked the Minister of Defence on what date it is now intended that the postponed military exercises in Portugal will take place.

Mr. Watkinson

I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway) on 6th July.

34. Mr. Dugdale

asked the Minister of Defence why it has been necessary to postpone the military exercises due to take place in Portugal.

Mr. Watkinson

Part of the Brigade which it had been intended to exercise in Portugal has been deployed overseas as a result of the Kuwait operation.

Mr. Dugdale

As the right hon. Gentleman has had a full opportunity of deploying troops in a genuine military exercise in Kuwait, will he finally once and for all cancel this very ill-starred Portuguese manœuvre?

Mr. Watkinson

The position is quite plain and it has been debated in this House a number of times. The Portuguese kindly offered us these facilities, which we accepted. We were then not able to use them. I have no intention at the moment of doing other than leaving matters as they stand.

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