§ 44. Mr. Critchleyasked the Secretary of State for Defence what effect the intention to reduce the strength of the Army by 13,000 men, announced in December 1974, will have upon Great Britain's capacity to reinforce BAOR by 68,000 troops and in a support rôle in keeping with its NATO commitment, in the event of mobilisation.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownWhile consultations are proceeding with our allies I am unable to say anything more regarding the effects of our proposed reductions on 285W specialist reinforcements than was outlined by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on 3rd December. I can say, however, that our proposed reductions will in no way adversely affect our capacity to reinforce BAOR in the event of mobilisation.