§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Defence if, in the light of Russian activities in Afghanistan, he will review immediately Great Britain's defence commitment East of Suez.
§ Mr. PymOur defence commitments both East of Suez and world-wide are kept under constant review. Recent events in Afghanistan show that Soviet opportunism and expansionism pose a threat not only to the West, but also to the countries of the Third world. Our primary defence commitment is to NATO, but within the limits of available resources, we shall continue to contribute to the security and stability of our friends all round the world through the provision of military training assistance and advice, and defence equipment. We shall also continue periodic deployments of units from all three Services outside the NATO area for visits to friendly countries and exercises with their forces.