§ 3. Mr. Ronald Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he can now make a statement on his plans relating to the cost of keeping British forces in Germany and Asia.
§ The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Roy Mason)Our commitments in Germany, the Far East and elsewhere are being examined in the defence review. The examination will take into account all relevant factors, including cost.
§ Mr. AtkinsDoes my right hon. Friend agree that it is easier to reduce the cost of the main item—namely, manpower— than the cost of equipment, and that if he were to do this it would be in accord with Field Marshal Montgomery's view that larger ill-equipped forces are less effective than small well-equipped forces? Does he agree that the Armed Forces abroad were responsible last year for a deficit of£423 million on the balance of payments, of which£300 million was incurred in Germany?
§ Mr. MasonI cannot follow the diktat of Lord Montgomery. The series of cuts in one year introduced by the Conservaitive administration meant that projects had to be cut. In our examination we shall look at commitments. We hope in due course to be able to cut back commitments in an orderly run-down—not too far—without cutting into our NATO commitments and in that way lessen the effect on industry.
§ Mr. Ian GilmourThe right hon. Gentleman said that the Conservative Government cut projects. Will he name them?
§ Mr. MasonWithin a few weeks' time, after the whole assessment has been made, I shall be obliged to name them, and they will be the result of the right hon. Gentleman's cuts.
§ Mr. Frank AllaunWill the Secretary of State halt the lavish and expensive recruiting campaign so as to avoid having to make men redundant later?
§ Mr. MasonNo, I am sorry to say that I cannot do that. Our recruiting figures are down on last year. It is necessary to maintain recruiting, and present circumstances require the right level of recruiting, as my hon. Friend knows.