HC Deb 02 February 1966 vol 723 cc1060-2
8. Mr. Kershaw

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he has had with the Governments of Australia and New Zealand about defence policy in the Indian Ocean; and whether he will make a statement.

45. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his recent talks with United States Government representatives, in general, and, in particular, on cutting British military expenditure and on Great Britain's east of Suez policies.

49. Mr. Blaker

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his recent discussions with members of the United States Administration.

Mr. Mayhew

My right hon. Friend has been discussing defence matters of mutual interest with the Governments of the United States, Australia and New Zealand. Any statement must await his return.

Mr. Kershaw

One of the items on the agenda has been the stationing of British aircraft in Australia with nuclear capability. What are the Australians saying about that?

Mr. Mayhew

I am not prepared to comment on what was or was not discussed by my right hon. Friend during the conversations.

Mr. Allaun

First, is it not rather unfortunate that, since this is the only chance we shall have to ask these questions before the Defence Review—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] Hon. Members opposite have no right to talk, because they want bigger armaments.

Mr. Speaker

Order. There must be no debate across the Floor; only questions to the Minister.

Mr. Allaun

Will my hon. Friend give an understanding at least that expenditure will not go up this year but will go down?

Mr. Mayhew

On the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, which, I think, is the only question arising out of the Question on the Paper, the House would not wish decisions on the Defence Review to be taken without consultation with our allies. Hon. Members cannot have it both ways. They want the Secretary of State to consult our allies, and then they will have the Defence White Paper sooner.

Mr. Blaker

Is it not a fact that the visit of the Secretary of State to the United States finished last week? Cannot the hon. Gentleman tell the House something about what happened there?

Mr. Mayhew

What happened in the United States is a matter primarily for my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, but, in addition, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence will, no doubt, inform the House on his return. [HON. MEMBERS: "When?"] On his return. He is returning on Sunday. In the meantime, the House really should face the fact that, plainly, it is not possible to reach these decisions without consultation with our allies.