§ 27. Mr. Goodhewasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether, in view of the recent intensification of hostilities in Vietnam, he will now reconsider his decision to withdraw all British forces from Singapore in 1971.
§ Mr. HealeyNo, Sir.
§ Mr. GoodhewAs we all know that it takes about six weeks at the jungle training school to fit any troops for activities in places like Malaysia, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman what measures he is taking to ensure the credibility of our capacity to meet the commitments which we still have in Malaysia, Singapore, and even Hong Kong?
§ Mr. HealeyThat does not arise from the Question, but, as the hon. Gentleman has asked it, I remind him that I told the House during the defence debates a fortnight ago that we plan to have regular training exercises in these types of conditions, probably in Singapore and Malaysia themselves, after our withdrawal from the areas is complete.
§ Mr. GoodhartAre there any circumstances under which the Government would reconsider their decision to leave Singapore, and if so, what are they?
§ Mr. HealeyI cannot conceive of any Government decision which is not capable of being reviewed under some circumstances, and when I reflect on the enormous number of changes in the policy of the party opposite during the 13 years when they were in power I am fortified in that belief. I know that the hon. Gentleman, who no doubt asked that question in a frivolous manner, will recognise that to speculate on such conceivable circumstances would not really be conducive to the conduct of Parliamentary business.
§ 53. Sir J. Rodgersasked the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions he 406 has had with the Australian, American and Singapore Governments about Australians and Americans using the facilities of the United Kingdom base at Singapore, subject to the Singapore Government's agreement.
§ Mr. HealeyWe are naturally in constant touch with our Commonwealth partners about defence matters of common interest, but we have not yet had an opportunity to discuss this question comprehensively with them against the background of our recent decision to withdraw from Singapore and Malaysia by the end of 1971. I have had no such discussions with the United States Government.
§ Sir J. RodgersWould the right hon. Gentleman consider initiating such discussions, particularly with the United States?
§ Mr. HealeyDiscussions are proceeding with our Commonwealth partners, Australia and New Zealand, about the possible use of these facilities. It would not be open to us to initiate discussions with the United States Government without the agreement of the countries directly concerned, and they are sovereign Powers in Malaysia and Singapore. I have no evidence whatever to suggest that they would wish us to initiate such discussions.
§ Mr. PowellHas the right hon. Gentleman anything further to say about the proposal for a five-Power defence conference affecting this area?
§ Mr. HealeyAll that I can say about that at the moment is that some contacts on this matter will take place between my right hon. Friend the Commonwealth Secretary and Ministers of the other Governments concerned during the S.E.A.T.O. conference next week; but I hope that it will be possible to hold a five-Power conference of the type suggested by the right hon. Gentleman early in the summer.