§ 1. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the outcome of his review of the United Kingdom's overseas commitments and the size of the Armed Forces; and if he will state the proposed saving in arms expenditure involved.
§ 7. Mr. G. Campbellasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the size and composition of the Army.
§ 48. Mr. Iremongerasked the Secretary of State for Defence when he intends to make a statement on the size of the Armed Forces in the future.
§ 79. Mr. Dickensasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on his review of the United Kingdom's overseas commitments and the future strength of the Armed Forces.
§ The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Denis Healey)I hope to make an announcement in the near future.
§ Mr. AllaunWill the Minister bear in mind that the reports from Australia that we are due to leave the Far East by 1975 will not satisfy the Labour Party Conference, which has plans to leave five years earlier? As for the saving, would he remember what William Tell's son said to his father when he took aim with his bow, "It had better be good"?
§ Mr. HealeyI am very well aware of the views of my hon. Friend, but I sometimes despair of ever satisfying him.
§ Mr. G. CampbellWill the Secretary of State bear in mind that it is likely that, in the future, there will be many tasks which can be carried out only by infantry and supporting arms, as is now being successfully demonstrated in Crater by a Highland Regiment?
§ Mr. HealeyYes, I am very well aware of that.
§ Mr. DickensCan the Secretary of State enlarge a little on the purpose of this forthcoming White Paper? Will it be a new Defence Review, and for how long will it extend? Up to 1970? Will the House have an opportunity of debating it before the Summer Recess?
§ Mr. HealeyI do not think that I have said anything about a Paper. What I have said, and maintain, is that as soon as I am able to do so I shall make an announcement to the House of the results of the studies that we have been carrying out, and the consultations that we have been having with our allies—one of which was going on this morning with the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
§ Mr. PowellFor the guidance of the House could the Secretary of State say whether he expects this to be before the House rises for the Summer Recess?
§ Mr. HealeyI would hope so.
§ Mr. RankinIs my right hon. Friend aware that when he satisfies my hon. Friend the Member for Salford, East (Mr. Frank Allaun) he will be proceeding on very sound lines?
§ Mr. HealeyI am aware that there are many views on the soundness of the judgment of my hon. Friend the Member for Salford, East and my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Govan (Mr. Rankin).
Sir Ian On-EwingWould the Secretary of State give us an assurance that, if a statement is to be made about a further reduction in our defence forces, it will be made in plenty of time for us to consider it, and if necessary, debate it?
§ Mr. HealeyYes. I am well aware that this is a matter of the greatest importance to both sides of the House, and I would certainly seek to ensure that if an announcement is to be made it will be made in time to allow the House to discuss it.