§ 74. Sir Knox Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will reconsider the defence plans of the United Kingdom in the Persian Gulf, with a view to assisting certain states in maintaining their security upon the basis that the costs are met by such States.
§ Mr. Healey:No, but assistance, for example, over the provision of some advisers could continue to be possible on this basis.
§ Mr. Allasonasked the Secretary of State for Defence what sums have been spent on providing and improving installations in the Persian Gulf in the past three years; and what further sums remain to be spent there.
§ Mr. Healey:I have nothing to add to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Public Building and Works to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Kingston-upon-Thames on 5th February.—[Vol. 758, c. 11–12.]
§ Rear-Admiral Morgan Gilesasked the Secretary of State for Defence what forces will be available after 1971 for deployment in support of the United Kingdom's interest in the prosperity and security of the Persian Gulf.
§ Mr. Healey:Such of those forces based in Europe (including the United Kingdom) as in our judgment circumstances demand.
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§ Mr. Goodhewasked the Secretary of State for Defence what plans he has for the defence of the Arabian Persian Gulf area after 1971.
§ Mr. Healey:Our planning is based on the fact that we shall have withdrawn our forces from the Persian Gulf by the end of 1971; that our basic interest in the prosperity and security of the area remains and that we shall retain a general capability based in Europe (including the United Kingdom) which will be available for deployment wherever in our judgment this is right having regard to the forces available.