HC Deb 23 February 1955 vol 537 c1256
15. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Minister of Defence whether he will make a further statement on the prospect of a defence agreement with the Union of South Africa.

Mr. H. Macmillan

I presume that the hon. Member is referring to the prospect of a defence organisation in Africa. I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave him on 1st November last year.

Mr. Hamilton

Why is the Minister so cagey about this question? Was not the matter discussed at the recent Commonwealth Conference? Will he give a specific assurance that such an organisation will not be used as a backstairs method to give back these Protectorates to what is, in effect, a Nazi Government?

Mr. Macmillan

I tried to answer the Question as it was put, and I have nothing to add to what I said before.