§ 49. Mr. Chorltonasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what special steps of a naval character it is proposed to take to safeguard the oil supplies in Trinidad from possible civil disturbance in the future; and whether a small naval base there would be considered.
Mr. CooperNo special steps such as those suggested in the question are considered necessary, but His Majesty's ships will continue to give such assistance as may be possible to the civil authorities upon whom the responsibility rests for the maintenance of order.
§ Mr. ChorltonAs my right hon. Friend is aware the island is the most important source of supply for oil in the Empire so surely something more should be done to protect this source of supply and not leave things as they are, that is civil protection only?
Mr. CooperMy hon. Friend need have no anxiety, the civil authority will take the necessary steps in order to prevent a recurrence of what has taken place recently.
§ 50. Commander Marsdenasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, during the recent disturbances in Trinidad, the Governor of that colony made any appeal for assistance to ships of His Majesty's fleet; and whether such assistance was available and forthcoming?
§ Commander MarsdenWill my right hon. Friend bring these facts to the notice of hon. Members opposite in the hope that some who are considering doing otherwise may now support supplies for the Navy?