HC Deb 11 May 1976 vol 911 cc218-9
15. Mr. Townsend

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he next plans to visit BAOR.

Mr. Mason

I have at present no plans to do so.

Mr. Townsend

When the Secretary of State next goes to Germany, will he carefully examine the tactical arguments that persuaded the Germans to remodel their army on the brigade system at a time when our defence cuts are doing away with our brigade headquarters? Will he look closely at the problems of collaboration that are likely to arise?

Mr. Mason

I shall be only too pleased to do that. With regard to the problems of restructuring, which came up a great deal during the Army debate, tests and trials have taken place, and amendments must be made. I am receiving professional military opinion in NATO which welcomes the changes that we are making.

Mr. Madden

When my right hon. Friend next meets the Secretary-General of NATO, will he emphasise that in terms of defence per head of population the United Kingdom is presently contributing the sixth largest share to NATO, and that if there is anxiety about NATO, fuelled by hysterical speeches from the Opposition Benches, it is up to those NATO countries whose economies are far stronger than others to shell out a bit more?

Mr. Mason

I should not wish to use that argument when I next meet the Secretary-General. Incidentally, I met him last week. My hon. Friend talks about the levels of defence expenditure. We are spending less in absolute defence expenditure than are the Germans and French. Therefore, if my hon. Friend wants me to take notice of the manifesto commitment my reply is that we have already done it.

Mr. Rippon

Will the Secretary of State put in the Library the statements by the NATO chiefs welcoming what we are doing?

Mr. Mason

If the right hon. and learned Gentleman wants to peruse the many communiqués we have issued from the DPC, I can tell him that they should be in the Library.