HC Deb 12 June 1968 vol 766 cc219-21
16. Dr. David Kerr

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the estimated cost of his proposals for increasing the size of the British Army of the Rhine.

Mr. Reynolds

We have no plans for increasing the peacetime size of B.A.O.R. As I said in the House on 10th May, we have earmarked for assignment to N.A.T.O. certain units and formations of the British Strategic Reserve. While continuing to be stationed in this country these forces will require additional training abroad and this is expected to cost about £400,000 a year.—[Vol. 764, c. 152–53.]

Dr. Kerr

Will my right hon. Friend recognise that many of us on this side of the House would feel much better if he could announce a reduction of £400,000 rather than an increase by that amount? Would he like to offer some reflections on what our attitude would be if the Soviet Union announced a corresponding increase in expenditure on Warsaw Pact forces?

Mr. Reynolds

The Soviet Union has announced quite big increases in the past few years. With reference to the question of the £400,000 reduction, my hon. Friend should give a certain amount of credit for the many tens of millions of pounds by which the defence budget has already been reduced over the past few years.

Sir W. Bromley-Davenport

How can the right hon. Gentleman expect to increase the size of the British Army if he talks a lot of nonsense about a worthwhile career without giving soldiers worth-while pay?

Mr. Reynolds

I do not expect to increase the size of the Army. I want to make sure that we get enough recruits for the future numbers that have already been announced.

37. Mr. Ramsden

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what anti-tank weapons are available to the infantry in the British Army of the Rhine.

Mr. Boyden

The 120 mm. Battalion Anti-Tank Gun; the 84 mm. Carl Gustav, and the Energa Grenade are standard equipment in all infantry units in B.A.O.R. Some units are also equipped with the Vigilant Anti-Tank Guided Weapon.

Mr. Ramsden

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the publication of a recruiting poster featuring the Vigilant, and the reports, which those of my hon. Friends who have visited B.A.O.R. can confirm, that the Vigilant has been withdrawn from units as being too expensive to train with? Will he take this opportunity to clear up what seems to be a contradiction?

Mr. Boyden

I will look into that. The right hon. Gentleman does not, obviously, expect an answer at once.

38. Mr. Moyle

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will now take steps to station a second brigade from the British Army of the Rhine in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Boyden

No, Sir.

Mr. Moyle

Would my hon. Friend not agree that a move of this sort would allow a brigade to remain an integral part of the Rhine Army and free us from the wrangle on support costs, which we indulge in each year, and restore mobility to our defence arrangements? Will he not look at this matter again?

Mr. Boyden

No, because our N.A.T.O. obligations and the general effects on N.A.T.O. have been fully considered and rest as they are now.

Mr. Ronald Atkins

Is the Minister aware that over two years ago, in his Budget speech, the then Chancellor of the Exchequer said that unless 100 per cent. offset agreements were made with Germany other brigades would be withdrawn? In view of the fact that no such conclusion has been arrived at, is it not time the promise was implemented?

Mr. Boyden

The offset arrangements with the Germans are reasonably satisfactory. I think we always hope for more, but the arrangements are as I have said.

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