§ 4. Mr. Rankinasked the Minister of Defence if he will make a statement on his discussions with the Governor of Hong Kong, in September last, on the subject of the Colony's defences.
§ Mr. SandysMy visit in September gave me the opportunity for full discussions with the Governor, the military commanders and the police authorities about defence and internal security problems in Hong Kong.
§ Mr. RankinIs the Minister not aware that during the period of his visit he stated, according to the Manchester Guardian of 16th September, that, while no decisions would be taken in Hong Kong, there would also be no startling announcements? Now, in the month of November, is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to make the startling announcements here that he refrained from making in Hong Kong, and will those startling announcements include a decision to stop the stockpiling of nuclear weapons in South-East Asia?
§ Mr. SandysHong Kong, of course, is not in South-East Asia, and I have no startling announcements to make.
§ Mr. RankinOn a point of order. Surely the Minister responsible for defending the Commonwealth should know more about its geography.
§ Mr. SpeakerThat is not a point of order. The hon. Member ought to know that.