§ 20. Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Defence what consideration he has given to the representations made by the Sultan about the withdrawal of the Gurkha battalion from Brunei; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MasonAs my right. hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs explained on 12th March, the talks have been adjourned while both sides study certain questions further. That remains the situation, and there will be further consultations with the Sultan before a final decision is taken on the withdrawal date.
§ Mr. TrotterCan the Secretary of State inform the House of any reason, other than a dogmatic desire to please the Left Wing, for this withdrawal, which will not save the taxpayers any money and will deprive the Gurkhas of a useful training area outside Hong Kong?
§ Mr. MasonWe recognise that this is not a cost-saving measure, but during the defence review commitments and capabilities were reviewed and this was one of the commitments. Subject to consultations with the Sultan, it is the intention to plan for a withdrawal. We shall have to await the next round of talks.