HC Deb 17 June 1936 vol 313 cc972-3
17. Major OSCAR GUEST

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can make any statement regarding the future of the British naval base at Malta?

Sir S. HOARE

Yes, Sir, and I am glad to have this opportunity of contradicting rumours which have received some publicity, that Malta is to be abandoned as a naval base. The Board of Admiralty have no intention of discontinuing the use of Malta as the principal naval base in the Mediterranean and the headquarters of the Mediterranean Fleet.

Major GUEST

Is it the intention of the Government to make Malta secure and retain it as a naval base; and is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that Malta alone meets all the needs of the Fleet in the Mediterranean?

Sir S. HOARE

I would never say that I was fully satisfied with any defence position, but what I would state categorically is that we have no intention whatever of evacuating Malta, and we shall certainly take every practicable means to make its defences secure against any possible attack.

Mr. SHINWELL

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government considered the strategic position of Malta as a naval base before they embarked on the policy of sanctions?

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