HC Deb 11 February 1963 vol 671 cc914-5
8. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Lord Privy Seal what were the actual contributions by the French Government to the military strength of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation in troops and aircraft in the last five years.

Mr. Heath

Details of the French military contribution are confidential to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

Mr. Shinwell

Are the details confidential because ever since the creation of N.A.T.O. the French Government have never met their commitments? Is the Minister aware that our obligations have been far better fulfilled than those of any other country, with the exception of the United States? As our contribution is a long way in excess of the French, will Her Majesty's Government resist any pressure from any quarter to increase our military contributions?

Mr. Heath

All the details of the military contributions by the different members of N.A.T.O. are confidential to the organisation. I should not like to comment on the general remarks which the right lion. Gentleman has made.

Mr. Mayhew

While contributions are confidential, are withdrawals confidential? What withdrawals of French forces have there been?

Mr. Heath

That is also confidential.

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