Mobile Reserve (Hansard, 23 May 1962)

§ 32. Mr. Paget
asked the Secretary of State for War whether any part of the mobile reserve in this country is earmarked for service in Thailand following Her Majesty's Government's recent policy decision in this regard.

§ Mr. Profumo
No, Sir.

§ Mr. Paget
Should they be required, are they capable of going there?

§ Mr. Profumo
That is a bit hypothetical, but we have a theatre reserve in South-East Asia and we have a strategic reserve in this country designed for use anywhere in the world at short notice. It does not have to be specially earmarked for service.

§ Mr. Emrys Hughes
In view of the fact that France is showing common sense and not sending her troops there, will the Secretary of State give us an assurance that none will be sent by us?

§ Mr. Profumo
The hon. Gentleman will have to put that Question on the Order Paper if he wants an answer.