HC Deb 22 September 1948 vol 456 c876
44. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether arrangements have been made for sufficient of His Majesty's ships to be in Antarctic waters during the coming Antarctic summer to prevent further illegal landings in His Majesty's Antarctic possessions.

Mr. W. Edwards

No special arrangements have been made, but the hon. Member can rest assured that the dispositions of His Majesty's ships are carefully reviewed as necessary.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

Can the Civil Lord assure the House that sufficient ships will be available to provide an appropriate reception for any heads of friendly States who may happen to drop in unexpectedly?

Mr. Edwards

I am afraid I must stick to the reply rather than deal with that supplementary question. However, I would again assure the hon. Gentleman that all these matters are carefully watched, and that he may depend on the Admiralty carrying out its job in the proper way.