§ Mr. Goodhartasked the Secretary of State for Defence what British Naval ships, Army formations and Royal Air Force squadrons are assigned to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation in in 1969 and earmarked for assignment to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation in 1969; and what forces it is planned to assign to these categories for the following four years.
§ Mr. HealeyThe following information relates to the position today:
Navy
Virtually the whole of the Royal Navy is earmarked for assignment.
Army
B.A.O.R.—Assigned.
3 Division—Earmarked for Assignment.
16 Parachute Brigade (less one battalion)—Earmarked.
22 Special Air Service Regiment—Earmarked.
A Battalion Group; An Armoured Recce. Squadron—Allocated to A.C.E. Mobile Force.
99WRoyal Air Force
Germany
R.A.F. Germany—Assigned.
United Kingdom
V Force—Assigned.
Canberra and Victor Recce. Aircraft—Earmarked.
Air Defence Aircraft of Strike Command—Assigned.
Long Range Maritime Recce. Aircraft—Earmarked.
The short range transport and close support aircraft of No. 38 Group—Earmarked.
Malta
Canberra Reconnaissance Aircraft—Assigned. Long Range Maritime Recce. Aircraft—Earmarked.
The position in 1969 and thereafter will be discussed with N.A.T.O. shortly as part of the five year defence planning procedure. We do not, however, propose that the general position should change.
§ Sir Ian Orr-Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what plans he has for strengthening the United Kingdom contribution to the defence of Western Europe and the Middle East in view of threats from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics;
(2) if he will now halt the run down of the armed forces and reserve forces, in view of recent events and threats in Europe and the Middle East.
§ Mr. HealeyI would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to similar Questions earlier this afternoon.
§ Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Secretary of State for Defence what steps he is taking to safeguard British defence secrets, by severely limiting knowledge of them, following the revelation of spying affecting the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation in West Germany.
§ Mr. HealeyWe have of course our obligations as members of N.A.T.O. to share some of our defence secrets with that organisation but appropriate security precautions are taken and are constantly under review.