HC Deb 18 January 1967 vol 739 cc418-9
24. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what saving would be obtained, current and long term, by withdrawal of British forces from Malaysia, Singapore and the Persian Gulf by 1969–70.

Mr. Healey

So much would depend on the manner in which the withdrawal was effected that it is not possible to provide useful illustrative figures.

Mr. Allaun

As the Ministry's own figures show that the cost is £235 million a year, and since confrontation has ended, why does not my right hon. Friend bring all the troops home from Malaysia? Is it because America, and Mr. McNamara in particular, say that we have to keep them there?

Mr. Healey

There are many factors, many of which we shall be discussing in the House in the debate on the White Paper in a short time. But I would point out to my hon. Friend that we are not talking about moving blocks of timber about the world. We are talking about moving human beings—soldiers, sailors and airmen, and very often their wives and children. We cannot move people in the same way as we move blocks of timber. I think that my hon. Friend is humane enough to recognise that.

Mr. Stratton Mills

Would the right hon. Gentleman explain to his hon. Friend that one of the reasons for retaining these men in Malaysia and Singapore is that the Governments of both those countries asked him for help?

Mr. Healey

It is certainly true that the Governments of Malaysia and Singapore are anxious for us to retain facilities in those countries and, as the House will know, we intend to do this as long as they remain willing for us to do so.