§ 17. Major OSCAR GUESTasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can make any statement regarding the future of the British naval base at Malta?
§ Sir S. HOAREYes, 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 GUESTIs 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. HOAREI 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. SHINWELLCan 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?