§ Q15. Mr. Molloyasked the Prime Minister what representations he has received requesting Her Majesty's Government to maintain a military presence in the Persian Gulf and South-East Asia after 1971 from Heads of Governments in those areas; what the estimated cost of such a presence would be; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterHer Majesty's Government have been in close consultation with Governments in these areas on this matter. As regards the cost of a military presence in the Persian Gulf 369W and South-East Asia, I would refer to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence during the defence debate on 5th March this year.—[Vol. 779, c. 546–50.]