§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Lord Privy Seal whether, in view of the activity of Soviet warships in the South China Sea, he will discuss with the Government of Singapore the establishment of a countervailing British naval force in the area.
§ Mr. HurdRoyal Navy task groups deploy to the area from time to time, but we have no plans to re-establish permanent naval forces there. Our Armed Services take part in exercises in the region when opportunity offers. We are always ready to discuss security issues of mutual interest with Singapore and our other partners in the five-Power defence arrangements and with our other friends in the area.