HC Deb 22 April 1964 vol 693 cc1282-3
18. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will state the vat number of casualties sustained by the combined British forces during the conflict between Malaysia and Indonesia, and the number caused to Malaysia forces, respectively.

The Minister of Defence for the Army (Mr. James Ramsden)

Since December, 1962, the Combined British forces including Gurkhas have sustained 99 casualties in the course of operations in Borneo. Malaysian forces, including police and border scouts, have suffered 50 casualties.

Mr. Shinwell

In view of those casualties, can the right hon. Gentleman say how long it is intended that our troops should remain in Malaysia? Is he aware that it was eventually discovered that there was no possibility of a military solution in Malaya, and a political solution was found? Is it not likely that, if the Government made the effort, a political solution could be found here?

Mr. Ramsden

Our troops must remain there while there is a military job to be done, and I know that the whole House will join with me in tribute to the way in which they are at present doing it. We are, of course, exploring every possible method of reaching a final solution of the problem.

Mr. Healey

Can the right hon. Gentleman say, roughly, what is the proportion of British to Malaysian forces serving in Borneo at the present time?

Mr. Ramsden

Not without notice, but I can say that the contribution of Malaysia herself has been steadily building up and, in relation to her resources, is not inconsiderable. For instance, she has three battalions deployed, compared with, I think, eight British.

Mr. Shinwell

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that nothing I said was intended to be anything in the nature of a rebuke of our troops? On the contrary, they are always doing a good job. But, having regard to what happened in Malaya, should not the Government be considering the possibility of a political solution?

Mr. Ramsden

As I told the right hon. Gentleman, this possibility is under active consideration, and is being pursued.