HC Deb 03 August 1978 vol 955 cc494-5W
Mr. Maurice Macmillan

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether Great Britain retains a capability to intervene militarily in the Persian Gulf area in order to protect British interests and to aid the United Kingdom's allies of Bahrain, Qatar, Muscat and Oman and the United Arab Emirates; and what military exchanges, manoeuvres or discussions have been conducted over the past five years in order to enhance any such capability if any still exists.

Mr. Mulley

The Government's policy is to concentrate our defence effort on the North Atlantic Alliance; we also maintain our commitment to the Central Treaty Organisation, in whose exercises we participate; and we enjoy good defence relations with the countries listed, whose armed forces we assist by seconding personnel and providing training and military equipment.

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