HL Deb 27 June 1972 vol 332 cc797-8
LORD SHINWELL

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper—with some hope of success.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is the total expenditure in maintaining overseas military stations at the last available date.

LORD CARRINGTON

My Lords, the noble Lord is an optimist. Local defence expenditure overseas in the present financial year is estimated to be £265 million.

LORD SHINWELL

My Lords, does the noble Lord agree that that is a substantial burden on the British taxpayer, and in view of the latest development, namely, the floating of the pound—which is regarded by some as a devaluation and almost the demise of sterling itself—does he not think that our exchange position would be better if we brought some of our forces out of Europe at the present time, even if they had to be retained in the United Kingdom?

LORD CARRINGTON

No, my Lords, I do not think so. I think the very fact that the British Army of the Rhine is in substantial numbers in Germany, and is there as a treaty obligation, as the noble Lord will know, is itself an addition to the deterrent which N.A.T.O. poses. I would point out to the noble Lord that two-thirds of that expenditure is spent in overseas exchange in Germany and I think it is something of which our allies should take notice.

LORD SHINWELL

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that while I have the utmost regard for the British Army, whether they are stationed in the European zone or in Ulster or elsewhere, I wonder whether it is appropriate, wise and in the best interest of the country, particularly in the present economic situation, that we should accept the greater part of the military burden of the European zone, especially in view of what I have ventured to mention to him, namely, the disclosures which appeared in Brigadier Thompson's article this morning?

LORD CARRINGTON

My Lords, if I may say so, I think it is a curious proposition to say that because some others are having difficulty in doing as much as we ourselves do, we should do less.