HC Deb 23 May 1978 vol 950 cc465-6W
48. Mr. Tebbit

asked the Secretary of State for Defence, in the deployment of British Armed Forces, from which Powers it is assumed that a hostile act is likely to originate.

Mr. Mulley

The majority of British forces are deployed in those areas in which the United Kingdom can best contribute to NATO's deterrent strategy. This strategy is based on forward defence to defend the full territorial integrity of NATO members, and flexible response, to give the Alliance a wide range of options to deter all forms of aggression.

Other forces are deployed to meet our commitments outside NATO, including the security of our remaining dependent territories.