HC Deb 24 October 1967 vol 751 cc1481-3
7. Sir G. Sinclair

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Prime Minister of Malaysia during his recent visit here with regard to proposals to help Malaysia in its plans for economic development.

The Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. William Whitlock)

The previous Commonwealth Secretary's discussions with the Tunku were concerned with the rundown of our defence forces in Malaysia. In this context he referred briefly to the financial aid which we shall give the Malaysian Government to help them adjust their economy to the new situation.

Sir G. Sinclair

Have the Government taken the opportunity to start talks with the Government of Malaysia about the economic aid that should compensate for what I regard as the premature withdrawal and reduction of British troops? Will the Secretary of State take particular care to ensure that British overseas private investment is still encouraged rather than discouraged in Malaysia?

Mr. Whitlock

There have been discussions recently in Malaysia on this subject, but these have been conducted through the Ministry of Overseas Development and Questions about this matter should therefore be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Overseas Development.

8. Sir G. Sinclair

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the Prime Minister of Malaysia during his recent visit with regard to the future rôle of British forces in Malaysia vis-à-vis Indonesia.

Mr. George Thomson

I do not think it is helpful to speak in terms of the role of British forces against a friendly country. It was, however, made plain in the Supplementary Statement on Defence Policy following the talks with the Tunku last July that we shall honour our obligations under the Anglo-Malaysian Defence Agreement and consult on the way in which we should plan to meet them.

Sir G. Sinclair

Does not the Secretary of State recognise that Britain's greatest successes in this area since the war were achieved by forces stationed on the ground in Malaysia and working with the Malaysian forces and with the people of Malaysia? Does he not recognise that to have forces that can be flown in or sent in on carriers at short notice is no substitute for having those forces on the spot in Malaysia?

Mr. Thomson

No, Sir; I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman. The Tunku has expressed himself as satisfied with the proposed deployment. It is proposed that by the early 1970s British forces there will consist largely of naval forces, including an amphibious element, and air forces. These highly specialised and technical forces will sensibly complement the Malaysians' own ground troops, which they can operate far more economically than we can and which they are expanding.

Mr. Stratton Mills

For how long is it intended to maintain air support in Eastern Malaysia?

Mr. Thomson

That question should be directed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence.