§ 8. Mr. Goodladasked the Secretary of State for Defence when next he expects to meet his NATO counterparts to discuss the situation in the Middle East.
§ Mr. HayhoeAs I explained earlier, my right hon. Friend is meeting NATO Defence Ministers now, and they will be discussing a range of issues relating to Western security.
§ Mr. GoodladDoes my hon. Friend accept that the purposes for which NATO exists can now be served only by maintaining a credible capability in areas formerly covered by defunct alliances, such as CENTO? Is he aware that we are encouraged by reports in this morning's newspapers that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State encouraged our NATO Allies to support the Pentagon's contingency plans to divert troops formerly earmarked for support in Europe?
§ Mr. HayhoeIt is true that the interests of the West generally, and of the developing world, are bound up with the position in the Middle East and in the Gulf. Perhaps it could be argued that the withdrawals that took place in the past contributed to the instability in that area. As regards action by the Government, I explained in answer to an earlier question that we are seeking greater flexibility in our ability to respond outside the NATO area.
§ Mr. StoddartWill the Minister draw the attention of his NATO partners to reports that the United States is planning to build new bases, with 50,000 troops, in Egypt? Will he say whether he thinks that that will stabilise or destabilise the position in the Middle East?
§ Mr. HayhoeIt would be inappropriate for me to comment on newspaper reports about the actions of our allies. I wish to make it clear that we should do everything that we can to maintain the present close relationship with our American allies. We owe them our best counsel, and we owe them also our loyal support.
§ Mr. Michael McNair-WilsonWill my hon. Friend say whether the sovereign base areas in Cyprus are used, or could be used, by NATO?
§ Mr. HayhoeThe sovereign base areas in Cyprus are used by British Forces. I should need notice to say whether there would be any restraints upon their being used by NATO forces under any conditions.
§ Mr. HooleyIs the Minister aware that the last thing that the Middle East needs in the present circumstances is a massive infusion of NATO forces? Is he further aware that the NATO treaty does not extend to that part of the world?
§ Mr. HayhoeThere is no proposal at the present time for NATO forces to be deployed in the Middle East.