HC Deb 16 November 1966 vol 736 cc410-2
2. Mr. Blaker

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what decision has been reached by Her Majesty's Government about the number of British forces which are to be withdrawn from the Continent of Europe; and if he will make a statement.

14. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will take steps to redeploy the Rhine Army so as to help to remedy the shortage of labour in some export industries.

23. Sir T. Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what decision has been made about the strength of the British Army of the Rhine; what financial economies will flow from this decision in the short and long term, respectively; and if he will give an assurance that no reductions will be made in the British contribution to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation without full consultation with all its members.

Mr. Healey

No decision has been taken about withdrawing British forces from the Continent of Europe. As the Prime Minister made clear in his statement on 20th July, any proposal to withdraw forces would be made through the prescribed N.A.T.O. and W.E.U. procedures.—[Vol. 695, c. 633.]

Mr. Blaker

In view of the Government's desire to join the Common Market, and the fluid political situation in Germany, would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is unwise to go on giving the impression, as his colleagues are doing, that we shall withdraw any forces from Germany whose cost in foreign exchange is not fully covered?

Mr. Healey

No, Sir. I do not think that that conclusion can be drawn at all, and I think that when we examine these questions we must take into account the value which other countries in Western Europe put on a military contribution to defence in N.A.T.O. As the hon. Gentleman will know, our contribution is second to none but the American one in this respect.

Mr. Roberts

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the withdrawal of these troops would be a major contribution to peace in Europe—[Interruption.]—whatever hon. Gentlemen opposite say—and does he agree with me that many of these men would welcome the opportunity of using their technical skills constructively by contributing to British exports?

Mr. Healey

As my hon. Friend will know, all these men have chosen to make their contribution to the national welfare as members of Her Majesty's Forces.

Mr. Powell

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise the damage which was done to Britain's cause in Europe, and especially to our prospects of joining the Common Market, by the panic announcement last July that we would cut our forces there unless means were found for others to pay for them?

Mr. Healey

No, Sir. I am not aware of any such thing. It is my impression that the Prime Minister's announcement of the present Government's policy was welcomed throughout Europe, and, indeed, received a very much better welcome among some of the countries in the Common Market than it did on the benches opposite.