§ 42. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the First Lord of the Admiralty why Her Majesty's Government agreed to the transfer of the Simonstown naval base to the Union of South Africa.
§ Commander NobleI would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 4th July, 1955.
§ Mr. FreemanIs it not a fact that this base was held by Great Britain for many years under a treaty, and as a result of that all the inhabitants enjoyed citizenship, with all rights and privileges, and that as a result of this action they are denied the right to any citizenship? Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman reconsider this matter, in view of these facts?
§ Commander NobleWe were at Simonstown for many years under an agreement with the South African Government. We had no territorial rights there whatsoever. I think that if the hon. Member studies my right hon. Friend's statement and the following White Paper, he will see that very adequate safeguards have been arranged for employees of the past, the present and the future.