§ 76. Mr. Deedesasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will make a statement regarding the future of Trincomalee as a naval base.
§ Mr. CallaghanThe Royal Naval Base at Trincomalee is maintained as the base of the East Indies Squadron with the agreement of the Ceylon Government, under the terms of the Defence Agreement, 1947, between the United Kingdom and the Ceylon Governments. This Agreement provides that the United Kingdom Government may base such forces in Ceylon as may be mutually agreed.
§ Squadron Leader BurdenWith due respect, is the Minister aware that he has not definitely answered the Question? Is there any intention on the part of the Government to relinquish keeping our fleet there or using Trincomalee harbour?
§ Mr. CallaghanThe hon. Member asked me to make a statement and that is what I have done.