§ 87. Mr. A. Royleasked the Secretary of State for Defence what effect Her Majesty's Government's defence cuts will have on Great Britain's commitments to Hong Kong; how reinforcements will be sent to the Colony at short notice in an emergency following the dismantling of the bases in Singapore and Malaysia; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Healey:There is no question of reducing the strength or effectiveness of the Hong Kong garrison. Following our withdrawal from Singapore and Malaysia, we shall retain the capability to reinforce Hong Kong, if the need should arise, from the United Kingdom, using one of the route options that will be available to us at that time.