HC Deb 13 May 1980 vol 984 cc1039-40
16. Mr. Temple-Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when next he will discuss the security of the Persian Gulf with Mr. Brown, the United States Defence Secretary.

Mr. Hayhoe

As I have indicated, my right hon. Friend is meeting Mr. Brown and other NATO Defence Ministers today at the ministerial meeting of the NATO Defence Planning Committee, and they will be discussing a wide range of world strategic issues.

Mr. Temple-Morris

May I reiterate that the Secretary of State's statement yesterday in Brussels of support for the United States in these difficult times is very welcome indeed? My hon. Friend has spoken of the need for flexibility to act outside Europe. Does he agree that the situation in the Persian Gulf area needs to be considered urgently and that the need for Western agreement soon is very necessary?

Mr. Hayhoe

Countering the Soviet threat in the Gulf in the first place is the responsibility of the local States. However, the United Kingdom and others in the Alliance can use their long-standing ties with the region to help enhance the States' ability to defend their own interests. We welcome the determination of President Carter's Administration to deter and, if necessary, to counter any further Soviet encroachment in the Gulf and South-West Asia generally, which has been indicated by the establishment of the United States' rapid deployment force.

Mr. Leighton

Does the Minister think that the best way to win friends and influence people in the Persian Gulf is to take economic sanctions against them?

Mr. Hayhoe

It is not for me to comment on a Bill which, I gather, is to be considered later today.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

Does my hon. Friend agree that the troubled state of the Persian Gulf makes extremely regrettable the decision taken by the previous Labour Government to withdraw our minimal forces from that area?

Mr. Hayhoe

There is widespread agreement that those force level changes have contributed to instability in the area.

Mr. Heffer

I draw the attention of the Minister to the article in today's edition of The Guardian, which indicates that Mr. Brown has made it clear that America will call on NATO and Japan to help to patrol the Gulf. Is that policy to be supported by Her Majesty's Government? Is it in line with the Government's clear statement that they are opposed to further force in dealing with Iran?

Mr. Hayhoe

As the hon. Gentleman's question is based upon a newspaper report and the speculation surrounding it, it is better to wait for my right hon. Friend's return from the NATO meeting. If the matter has been discussed at the meeting, I have no doubt that he will comment upon it.