HC Deb 19 February 1969 vol 778 c466
38. Mr. Younger

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what increases he now envisages in the number of infantry battalions to be stationed in Germany after 1970 above the number planned at the Defence Review in spring 1968.

Mr. Boyden

None, Sir.

Mr. Younger

If that is so, what conceivable sense does it make of the Secretary of State's recent remark that conventional forces in N.A.T.O. in Europe were at a dangerously low level? Can he not match his words with deeds by reprieving some of the regiments now being axed and get on with the job?

Mr. Boyden

The present infantry dispositions and plans for reinforcement are satisfactory.