HC Deb 19 February 1969 vol 778 cc454-5
18. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will propose the stationing of Royal Air Force units in Malaysia until approximately 1971, in return for Great Britain supplying Harrier jet aircraft.

47. Mr. Stratton Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will seek an agreement with the Malaysian Government concerning the provision of military aircraft for Malaysia.

Mr. Healey

There are already certain Royal Air Force units stationed in West Malaysia and they will remain there until they are withdrawn as part of our general rundown in the Far East. We do not consider that there is any requirement for Royal Air Force units to be stationed in East Malaysia at present. The Malaysian Government have been given all relevant information about British military aircraft, including the Harrier and we are in continuing consultation with them.

Sir G. Nabarro

But would the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that nothing will be done by his Ministry or by his colleagues which might cause Malaysia and Singapore to order French and foreign aircraft in preference to British aircraft? Does he not realise that unless the Harriers are supplied early enough they will order foreign aircraft?

Mr. Healey

It is entirely for the Government of independent Commonwealth countries to decide which aircraft meets their needs. The Singapore Government have already decided to buy British aircraft—a number of Hunters and the BAC167. The Malaysian Government are considering a mix of British aircraft consisting of the Hunter and the Harrier and certain other possibilities.

Mr. Robert Howarth

Has my right hon. Friend seen Press reports that if the Malaysian Government bought Mirage fighters they would need French pilots to operate them?

Mr. Healey

I have seen reports that the Prime Minister of Malaysia suggested that if they bought Mirage aircraft they would hope to acquire French pilots with them. Whether that would be possible I do not know. No decision has been taken by the Malaysian Government in this matter.