HC Deb 16 November 1966 vol 736 cc413-4
6. Sir Ian Orr-Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he is making for streamlining the administrative and logistical costs of the British Army of the Rhine so as to reduce the cost in foreign exchange with the minimum effect on operational capability.

Mr. Healey

We are discussing our proposals for logistic and administrative changes with our allies. These proposals are expressly designed to minimise the effect on our operational capability.

Sir Ian Orr-Ewing

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we are delighted that this sort of approach is being made, rather than any cutting of the forces? Many people believe that in these rather uncertain conditions it would be quite disastrous to cut our forces and thus to leave West Germany as the predominant military Power, unintegrated in a military alliance.

Mr. Healey

I am grateful to the hon. Member at any rate for the first part of his supplementary question. I can assure him that I am deeply concerned to ensure that the savings made will be calculated to contribute to the optimum strategy of an integrated alliance and have a minimum effect on operational capability.