British Forces (East of Suez)

HC Deb 29 October 1970 vol 805 cc406-7

28. Mr. Sheldon

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will now make a statement on the run-down of British forces east of Suez.

Lord Balniel

Our plans for retaining forces in South East Asia after 1971 are described in the Supplementary Statement on Defence Policy (Cmnd. 4521) presented yesterday. As the forces which we shall be retaining in Malaysia and Singapore will be substantially smaller than they are today, the rundown there is continuing.

Mr. Sheldon

In view of the rundown when does the right hon. Gentleman expect that the land forces in South-East Asia will be reduced to the battalion group mentioned in the Defence White Paper?

Lord Balniel

I cannot answer that without notice. If the hon. Gentleman will put down a Question, I will answer it.