asked the Minister of Defence why, in the withdrawal of our forces from Port Said, those who took part in the advance operations there have been withdrawn to Cyprus and not to this country.

I have been asked to reply.

Some units have gone to Cyprus because they were stationed there before, or were about to begin a normal overseas tour. Others have gone there to help in certain aftermath tasks. Arrangements are in train for the move of some units to the United Kingdom.

As a number of National Service men were included in that withdrawal—and whatever views we may have about the Middle East exercise these boys did a first-class job—does not the Minister think that they are entitled to a break at home, at least, before Christmas?

My Answer was intended to indicate that the normal postings procedure—the normal disposition of our forces—is being resumed as quickly as possible.

Is not the Minister aware that National Service reservists are still being sent out to Cyprus, and has not this been the cause of a good deal of difficulty, if that is the case?

That is quite a different question. I am not aware that they are, but perhaps the right hon. Gentleman would put down a Question to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War.

Does not the withdrawal of our forces from Port Said, as mentioned in the Question, make it more and not less vital that we should maintain our forces in Cyprus at adequate strength to defend, by a supreme effort, British interests in the Middle East?

My Answer indicated that the Cyprus garrison was being maintained.