HC Deb 07 May 1969 vol 783 cc448-9
38. Mr. Luard

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what training for peacekeeping activities is undertaken by Her Majesty's forces.

Mr. Healey

Peace-keeping activities call for high standards of discipline, basic training and morale. These qualities are developed in our military schools, staff courses and colleges for all our forces whether serving on peace-keeping or other tasks.

We also take account of the experience already gained in United Nations' and other peace-keeping operations.

Mr. Luard

Would not the Secretary of State agree that the previous belief that the permanent members of the Security Council were not likely to be involved in peace-keeping operations can no longer be held in view of British participation in Cyprus and the proposals for contributions by the permanent members in the Middle East? In view of the extensive preparation and training carried out in some other countries, notably Scandinavian countries, for this purpose, would he not agree that it would be valuable if we undertook special training for these purposes and co-operated with other Governments to that end?

Mr. Healey

British forces are extraordinarily well trained for peace-keeping duties, as is proved by the way in which they compare with the contributions by other countries to peace-keeping forces. I do not think that anyone who has visited Cyprus will dispute that. There was a Question about training with other countries which was put a month ago when I explained some of the problems and difficulties.