§ 22. Mrs. Castleasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what arrangements he has made with the United States Government for the extension of their long-range proving ground for guided missiles in the Bahamas and for the reoccupation by United States forces of bases in the British West Indies for missile operations.
§ Mr. Selwyn LloydI have nothing to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs to the hon. Member for Blackpool, South (Sir R. Robinson) on 8th February.
§ Mrs. CastleIs it not a fact that the Bean Field Base in St. Lucia is now being reactivated, and that protests have been made in the Legislature of St. Lucia about the fact that they have not been properly consulted about the purposes for which this base is being reactivated, and also that there is no proper protection being introduced for the population there? In view of the seriousness of this matter, would the right hon. and learned 2347 Gentleman consider putting a full report before the House so that both we and the West Indian people can be fully informed?
§ Mr. LloydMy information is that steps have been taken to safeguard the interests of the inhabitants, and the Governments of the territories have been consulted at every stage of the negotiations.
§ Mrs. CastleIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that in the St. Lucia Legislature a request was made that if this base was to be reopened for guided missile purposes, there ought to be, at any rate, a deep shelter policy for the inhabitants, and that was turned down? This is a very serious matter to West Indian people and to this House. Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman place a full report before the House?