HC Deb 23 April 1971 vol 815 cc463-4W
Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the South East Asia Treaty Organisation manoeuvres in the Philippines, the number of British troops involved, the financial cost in total, and that to be borne by Her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

One assault ship, three frigates, one submarine, six support ships, one Royal Marines Commando Group and two long range maritime patrol aircraft of Far East Command took part in a S.E.A.T.O. exercise in the Philippines during late March and early April. The cost of the exercise was estimated as about £23,500 of which Britain's share was about £5,500. The exercise was one of a regular series of S.E.A.T.O. exercises.

Mr. Fowler

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement about British force declarations to the South East Asia Treaty Organisation.

Lord Balniel

We informed S.E.A.T.O. at the Military Advisers' Conference yesterday that Britain would continue to declare forces to certain S.E.A.T.O. contingency plans.