HC Deb 22 February 1977 vol 926 cc1204-5
5. Mr. MacFarquhar

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when he proposes to meet his new United States counterpart to discuss matters of mutual interest concerning defence.

Mr. Mulley

I have no immediate plans to do so, but I expect to meet Dr. Brown at the next NATO Ministerial meeting.

Mr. MacFarquhar

When my right hon. Friend meets Dr. Brown will he ask him his opinion of the continued value of the Turkish presence in NATO, on the southern flank, in view of the Turkish action in the Cyprus issue?

Mr. Mulley

I am not sure that that would be the No. 1 priority on the agenda. It is more a matter for the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary. There will be some discussions about the future of the southern flank and Cyprus.

Mr. Blaker

Does the Secretary of State recall saying, in the recent defence debate, that the purpose of forces on each side—East and West—is to deter the other side from attack? Is that the view of the United States Administration and of our NATO Allies? Is the right hon. Gentleman saying that the purpose of the massive Warsaw Pact forces is to deter NATO from attack?

Mr. Mulley

I have never put it in quite those terms. I have said that the NATO posture is wholly defensive, and to deter possible aggression. I have also said that I have no reason to suppose that any attack by the Warsaw Pact forces is imminent.

Mr. Cronin

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the almost total lack of progress of the mutual and balanced force reductions, and the enormous increase in expenditure on defence by the Soviet Union and the Warsaw Pact Powers? Will he, when he speaks to the United States Defence Secretary, reassure him that no further substantial cuts are intended in our defence programme?

Mr. Mulley

I gather that there are some questions involving reductions in the United States defence plans. I shall discuss the basis on which we are making our NATO contribution, and I am sure that the good relations that have existed for many years between ourselves and our United States counterparts will continue.

Mr. Blaker

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the inadequate and inaccurate nature of the Secretary of State's reply to my Question, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment.

Mr. Speaker

Order. There is a formula to be followed by hon. Members who wish to raise matters on the Adjournment.