HC Deb 21 March 1967 vol 743 cc1434-5
23. Sir G. Sinclair

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what representations were made to him by the Governments of Australia and New Zealand during his recent visits in favour of Great Britain retaining an effective military presence in Singapore and Malaysia.

Mr. Bowden

Our discussions naturally included a general exchange of views on defence problems in the area. The Australian and New Zealand Governments expressed to me appreciation for the continuing British military presence in South East Asia.

Sir G. Sinclair

Will the Commonwealth Secretary, against a good deal of pressure by some of his hon. Friends, ensure that Britain retains an effective military presence in Malaya and Singapore while our forces are welcomed there, until our allies in the area are better able to provide for their own defence? Will he do his best to avoid making the sort of misjudgment that we have made in respect of other bases, such as Malta and Aden, in respect of the reduction of our forces?

Mr. Speaker

That is a long supplementary question. It has cut out one Question.

Mr. Bowden

The Government's policy on defence east of Suez is contained in the 1966 Defence Review and the 1967 Defence Review. This was understood clearly when I was in New Zealand and Australia. They are concerned about our presence, but not about the number troops in the area.

Mr. Judd

Did my right hon. Friend have an opportunity to discuss the possibility of internationalising defence agreements in the area in good time, under the auspices of the United Nations?

Mr. Bowden

No, Sir. That question was not raised when I was there.