Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the obligations are on the UK under the provisions of the Five Power Defence arrangements.

Mr Julian Brazier, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and Minister for Reserves: Under the Five Power Defence Arrangements, the five powers (Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore and the UK) undertook to consult "immediately" in the event or threat of an armed attack on Malaysia or Singapore for the purpose of deciding what measures should be taken jointly or separately in response. There is no specific commitment to intervene militarily.