HC Deb 22 June 1966 vol 730 cc571-2
33. Mr. Goodhart

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate has been made of the cost to this country of moving North Atlantic Treaty Organisation installations from France.

Mr. Healey

Until further detailed studies have been carried out to determine precise locations, communications requirements and the like, no estimate can be given.

Mr. Goodhart

Surely the Minister can be a little more frank than that with the House, as discussions have been going on for many weeks? Is the Minister aware that part of the very heavy cost which will have to be borne by this country could be offset if displaced units from France came to this country? Have Ministers had any success in pressing this point?

Mr. Healey

Yes. The hon. Member will be aware that two American units, displaced from France, are coming to the United Kingdom very shortly. I would point out that there is still some uncertainty as to the number of N.A.T.O. installations which will be required to be moved from France. For example, the North Atlantic Treaty Council will not decide until October whether it, itself, should move out of France, and there is still a good deal of discussion about the number of logistic facilities now in France which would require to be moved.