§ 3. Mr. Brockwayasked the Minister of Defence to what extent the naval base in Malta will be used under the new planning of defence.
§ Mr. Sandys.Malta will continue to be used as the Navy's Mediterranean base.
§ Mr. BrockwayWhilst thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that Answer, may I ask him whether he will have consultations with the Secretary of State for the Colonies regarding the economic position in Malta resulting from the fact that it is a naval base, particularly in view of the very great service which the people of Malta have rendered to this country?
§ Mr. SandysI am sure that I do not need to remind my right hon. Friend of those facts.
Air Commodore HarveyIf there is insufficient work for naval vessels to fulfil the output of the Royal Naval Dockyard, will my right hon. Friend consult 1897 his colleagues to see whether some proportion of the output of the dockyard can be used for commercial work? There are great opportunities offering.
§ Mr. SandysIt is my intention to do that, not only in regard to Malta, but in regard to all defence establishments where the volume of work is being reduced.