HC Deb 14 January 1971 vol 809 cc232-3
2. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the future of British troops in the Gulf area.

The Minister of State for Defence (Lord Balniel)

I have no statement to make at present about the future of British troops in the Gulf area.

Mr. Wall

Is it not a fact that orders to withdraw given by the last Government have not yet been countermanded? Does my hon. Friend agree that the presence of British troops in the Gulf leads to stability in the area and safeguards Western oil supplies? Can we be told when we may expect this important statement?

Lord Balniel

The statement will be made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs as soon as possible. Our responsibility is to take a decision which will result, as best we can achieve it, in the ultimate stability of this area. We are retaining in the Persian Gulf the forces necessary at the moment to meet our existing commitments.