§ 41. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give an assurance that British Armed Forces released from the Malaysian confrontation will not be transferred for service in Australia unless the cost is fairly shared by all interested parties.
§ Mr. HealeyWe have no intention of transferring for service in Australia the forces which, we hope, will soon be released from their present duties by an ending of confrontation. The sharing of costs in Australia does not, therefore, arise at this stage. If and when it does, we shall certainly expect the costs to be fairly shared.
§ Mr. HamiltonDoes that mean that the troops will be either brought home or demobilised?
§ Mr. HealeyNo. It means that the troops will be redeployed either in the Far East or in other parts of the world.
§ Rear-Admiral Morgan GilesWill the right hon. Gentleman remember that Australia gave us help without counting the cost in two World Wars? Will Her Majesty's Government be generous in carrying out Commonwealth obligations in conditions of cold war?
§ Mr. HealeyWe recognise our responsibilities in respect of Australia. That was one of the reasons why I visited Australia and discussed our decisions with the Australian and New Zealand Governments before they were finally taken.