§ 32. Mr. Shinwellasked the Minister of Defence what measures are in contemplation for a reduction in our overseas military expenditure; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI am always seeking to economise expenditure, particularly overseas; but I have no special statement to make at present
§ Mr. ShinwellIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware of the statement made by his right hon. and learned Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer the other day that, because of the burdens facing this country, it would be necessary to reduce our overseas military expenditure? Have the Government no plans? Was that merely a nebulous statement meaning nothing?
§ Mr. WatkinsonNo, Sir. I think that my right hon. and learned Friend's statement was perfectly clear. I have nothing to add to it at the moment.
§ Mr. ShinwellWhat was clear about it?
§ Mr. WatkinsonObviously in any examination of Government expenditure, overseas expenditure of all kinds must be included.
§ Mr. KershawIf my right hon. Friend has to consider any reduction, will he 1232 bear in mind that there are many of us who think that we should sooner exercise our rights under the N.A.T.O. Treaty, for a reduction of forces, than reduce our commitments in further places in the world?
§ Mr. WatkinsonThat is quite a different question.
§ Mr. NabarroDoes my right hon. Friend recall that in this context he used the words, in response to an earlier Question, "clear Treaty obligations" in reference to the British Army of the Rhine? Are those Treaty obligations incapable of re-negotiation having regard to our current financial circumstances?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI made it perfectly clear in that Answer, and perhaps my hon. Friend will be kind enough to have a look at it, that there are certain outlets from the Treaty both on the ground of finance and on the ground of some emergency overseas requirement for British Forces, and those are part of the Treaty.