HC Deb 30 January 1963 vol 670 cc916-7
11. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Defence what proposals were made to him by the United States Defence Secretary for an increase in conventional forces.

26. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Minister of Defence what proposals were made to him by the United States Defence Ministers at the Nassau Conference for increasing the strength of the British forces in Germany.

Mr. Thorneycroft

I had a general exchange of views with Mr. McNamara but no specific proposals were put forward.

Mr. Shinwell

Does not the right hon. Gentleman read the American newspapers and the comments of his opposite numbers in the diplomatic and political spheres in the United States and at the Pentagon? Is he not aware of their demand that we should build up our conventional forces? Can he say whether there is complete satisfaction in N.A.T.O. about the contributions in conventional forces made by the respective countries?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I do have a cursory glance at newspapers from time to time, but this Question deals with what the Secretary of Defence said; and he made no proposal.

Mr. Hughes

Does the Minister recollect that on his return from America he made a statement to the effect that there was going to be no conscription? Does that mean that any proposal was made by the Americans for an increase in the Armed Forces, which would mean conscription? Will the right hon. Gentleman repeat this categorical assurance that Her Majesty's Government do not intend to reintroduce conscription?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I think that I gave an answer about conscription, but it had nothing to do with conversations with Mr. McNamara.

Mr. Zilliacus

Does the right hon. Gentleman recollect that exactly a week ago, when I asked him to give an undertaking that there would be no return to conscription, he refused to give that undertaking?

Mr. Thorneycroft

I am not going to give an undertaking for all time, in any circumstances whatever. That would not be a wise thing to do.