HC Deb 24 November 1954 vol 533 cc1225-6
8. Mr. Dugdale

asked the Minister of Defence what relation there is between the conference now taking place in this country on the defence of Africa and the consultation in progress in the Union of South Africa between officials of the Admiralty and officials of the South African Government on the future of the naval base at Simonstown.

Mr. H. Macmillan

There is no conference taking place in this country on the defence of Africa. As I said in reply to the hon. Member for Fife, West (Mr. Hamilton) on 1st November, the United Kingdom Government have undertaken, at the suggestion of the South African Minister of Defence, to consider the whole problem. The discussions between officials of the Admiralty and of the Union Government, which have been concerned with various matters of naval co-operation, are an entirely separate matter.

Mr. Dugdale

Is the Minister aware that I am extremely glad that he now knows the answer to this Question, of which he was totally ignorant last week? Will he assure the House that there is no possibility of the Government bartering away Simonstown as part of some general agreement with South Africa about defence?

Mr. Macmillan

In reply to the first part of that question, I am grateful for the right hon. Member's tribute. In reply to the second part, I have nothing to add to my reply.