§ 6. Mr. Russell Kerrasked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the further employment in Thailand of the British Army detachment which recently completed the construction of a military aerodrome there; and how long approximately it will be before the detachment involved is repatriated to this country.
§ 42. Mr. Dickensasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will state his proposals for the future employment in 1176 Thailand of the British Army detachment, which has recently completed the construction of an aerodrome there.
§ The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Denis Healey)The Royal Engineers, who recently completed the airfield at Loeng Nok Tha, will be helping the Thai authorities throughout 1967 with a programme of road building.
§ Mr. KerrCan the Minister give us an assurance that there will be no repetition of this clandestine support of the American war of aggression in Vietnam by any of Her Majesty's forces in the future?
§ Mr. HealeyThere is no connection between the work which we are carrying out to help the Thai Government to open up its country to Government services to enable local people to export their produce, and the events in Vietnam.
§ Mr. DickensOn the subject of assistance for the American war effort in Vietnam, can the Minister tell the House for what purpose the aerodrome at Loeung Nok Tha is being used? Is it, for instance, being used by American B.52 bombers to bomb North Vietnam?
§ Mr. HealeyAs I made clear in answer to Questions last time, it is not being used by American B.52 bombers and has no facilities appropriate for that purpose.