HC Deb 01 March 1967 vol 742 cc507-10
52. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Defence why Her Majesty's Government have built an airfield in Northern Thailand and gifted it to the Thai Government; and whether the gift was intended for use by the United States forces in launching direct bombing missions against North Vietnam.

Mr. Healey

The gift of the airfield was a gesture of solidarity with Thailand, our ally in S.E.A.T.O.; specifically it will help to improve communications in North-East Thailand. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister made clear in answer to a Question on 7th July, the use of the airfield is for the Thai Government to determine.

Mr. Rankin

But is my right hon. Friend aware that I am asking him whether or not this new airfield in Thailand is being used by American troops to bomb North Vietnam? Would he answer that last part of the Question before I have the opportunity, perhaps, to put a supplementary question?

Mr. Healey

I am pretty sure that it cannot be being used for that purpose—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—because it is suitable only for medium-range transport aircraft and not for the use of strike or bomber aircraft.

Sir G. Nabarro

Is it not a fact that this airfield is being used by the Australian and New Zealand Air Forces as part of their association with the supply of British equipment to them? Has the right hon. Gentleman noticed that a Distinguished Flying Cross was recently awarded to a Royal Australian airman for service in this part of Asia?

Mr. Healey

I do not know what concatenation of events the hon. Member is trying to establish, but the airfield is not suitable for use by strike or combat aircraft.

Mr. W. Baxter

If my right hon. Friend is likely to be giving away any more gifts of runways, would he remember that Edinburgh is very much in need of another runway and that the Provost of Edinburgh was unable to fly down here because of the cancellation of services caused by their not having that other runway?

Mr. Healey

If my hon. Friend will make the necessary arrangements with the trade unions, I shall see whether we can afford some help of this nature under the peaceful use of military forces in the United Kingdom.

Sir F. Bennett

Reverting to the airfield in Thailand, is the Secretary of State merely saying that in his opinion this is not suitable for the war in Vietnam, or is he giving the House a categorical assurance that it will not be so used?

Mr. Healey

I cannot give such an assurance. As the Prime Minister made clear, it is not for us to decide how this airfield is used, but we do know something about how it can be used.

Mr. Russell Kerr

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, whatever may be his information as to the likely use of the airfield, his view is not shared by those responsible for its construction?

Mr. Healey

No, Sir.

Mr. Goodhart

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of us are glad that the Royal Engineers who were building this inadequate airfield are now engaged in road building operations which will help the Thai Government?

Mr. Healey

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Crawshaw

Is my right hon. Friend aware that any activities that might involve our troops in ground operations in this part of South-East Asia will be deeply resented by hon. Members on this side of the House? Is he further aware that, as one of the few hon. Members who supported him last night, I am certainly looking for a lessening of our commitments in this area, and not an increasing of them?

Mr. Healey

I am aware of both these facts. I certainly agree that we do not want our forces engaged in operations in this part of Asia to which he refers. May I thank him very much for supporting me last night—it has done something to expiate what he said when we had the debate on the Territorial Army a year ago.

Several Hon. Members

rose—

Mr. Speaker

Order. Lord Balniel—Private Notice Question.

Mr. Rankin

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I am not very sure whether or not Question No. 53, which is consequential on Question No. 52, was called with No. 52.

Mr. Speaker

I can enlighten the hon. Gentleman. It was not called.

Mr. Rankin

Further to that point of order. May I say that I postpone Question No. 53 to another occasion?

Mr. Speaker

That is not a matter for me now.

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