HC Deb 11 March 1971 vol 813 cc146-7W
Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of State for Defence if he will make a statement about the future presence of British forces in the Gulf.

Lord Balniel

I would refer my hon. Friend to answer I gave to a similar Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Banbury (Mr. Marten) earlier today.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the details of the run-down of Her Majesty's Forces in the Gulf.

Lord Balniel

The present land, sea and air forces stationed at Bahrain and Sharjah are due to be withdrawn by the end of 1971. But we are offering elements of the British Forces to the Union to be stationed there on a continuing basis to act in a training and liaison rôle.