§ Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Secretary of State for Defence what progress he has made with the formation of a capability in this country for the purpose of carrying (out United Kingdom obligations east of Suez after the proposed withdrawal from United Kingdom bases from there; what forces he has so far allocated to this capability; what equipment he has ordered for it; and when he expects it to be ready for use.
§ Mr. HealeyAs my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister explained on 16th January, our decision will entail major changes in the rôle size and shape of the forces, in the nature and scale of the equipment which they will, require, and in the supporting facilities which, are92W necessary. Time will be needed to work intend to present later in the year a Sup-out the precise implications, but we plementary Statement, in which we shall report progress. Forces for use overseas after 1971 will be drawn from our forces in Europe, including the United Kingdom, as is possible now.