HC Deb 29 March 1961 vol 637 cc132-3W
52. Mr. Harold Davies

asked the Minister of Defence what responsibilities were accepted by Britain as a result of the communiqué issued after the Conference of Military Advisers of South-East Asia Treaty Organisation from Bangkok on 18th November, 1960; and what is the cost of the programme of work issued from the military planning office as a result of the decisions reached.

Mr. Watkinson

On the first part of the Question I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to the hon. Member on 28th November last.

I assume that the second part of his Question refers to costs to the United Kingdom. These form part of our normal military expenditure in the Far East, but it is not possible to identify separately costs arising from our membership of S.E.A.T.O.

Mr. Harold Davies

asked the Minister of Defence if he will make available to the House of Commons a White Paper containing the obligations accepted by Great Britain towards the South-East Asia Treaty Organisation at the military advisers regular meeting in Bangkok in March, 1961.

Mr. Watkinson

I have nothing to add to their communiqué, a copy of which I am placing in the Library of the House.