§ 15. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether in view of the new situation created by the Russian armed invasion of Czechoslovakia, he propses to continue the rundown of British forces in West Germany.
§ Mr. HealeyNo such rundown is in progress although, as regards the Royal Air. Force, there will be a temporary drop in the number of aircraft stationed in Germany during the forthcoming re-equpiment programme.
§ Mr. DigbyDid not the invasion of Czechoslovakia show the great mobility of Soviet forces? Does not that, therefore, make it more necessary that troops should be stationed in Germany rather than kept in reserve a long way away?
§ Mr. HealeyThis can be so in some circumstances and the hon. Gentleman will be aware that 6 Brigade returned to Germany shortly after the Czech crisis and demonstrated its capability of reinforcement in case of need.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisCould my right hon. Friend promise an early comment on the statement made yesterday by General Lemnitzer that, arising from Czechoslovakia, this country and other N.A.T.O. countries should reintroduce compulsory military training for their Services?
§ Mr. HealeyI am not aware that he addresed any such remarks to this country.