HC Deb 12 April 1967 vol 744 cc1176-7
7. Mr. Judd

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what research he has now initiated into the possibility and methods of transferring existing overseas defence commitments in the Middle East and east of Suez to international security systems under the auspices of the United Nations.

Mr. Healey

It is an established aim of British policy to strengthen the United Nations as the main instrument for keeping peace in the world and to give it effective means of doing so, but there is as yet no concerted will amongst nations to this end. Meanwhile within the practical limitations, Her Majesty's Government are constantly seeking ways and means of improving United Nations influence both generally and in particular situations.

Mr. Judd

While welcoming the reassurance of that Answer, does my right hon. Friend not consider that the recent events in Aden have reminded us that, if we are to make real use of the United Nations, we must bring it in at the earliest possible stage?

Mr. Healey

There is something in what my hon. Friend says, but we cannot bring in the United Nations at any stage. The United Nations must decide to come in, and this has been one of the sources of problems in recent weeks.