HC Deb 14 February 1968 vol 758 cc341-2W
48. Dr. David Kerr

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements he is making for rehousing servicemen and their families returning to the United Kingdom from East of Suez.

Mr. Reynolds:

I am studying this problem in the light of our overall plans to reduce the size of the Forces.

Rear-Admiral Morgan Giles

asked the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel will be brought home from east of Suez during the financial year 1968–69; and what will be the budgetary saving.

Mr. Healey:

Detailed planning of redeployment following the recent decision to withdraw from Singapore and Malaysia by December, 1971, is not yet completed.

Rear-Admiral Morgan Giles

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what amphibious forces will be available for use East of Suez after 1971.

Mr. Healey:

We are examining the future role of our amphibious forces in the N.A.T.O. setting as part of our force level studies. Their availability for use East of Suez, as part of our capability based in Europe, after our withdrawal from Singapore, Malaysia and the Persian Gulf, will depend on the outcome of these studies.