§ 34. Mr. Rankinasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what progress has been made in reaching agreement with the Maldive Government for the building of a Royal Air Force staging post on Gan Island.
§ Mr. AlportI would refer the hon. Member to my answer to a Question by the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway) on 13th April.
§ Mr. RankinI have read that Answer and also the Answer previously given. None of those replies brings the clarity to this confused situation which it deserves, particularly in view of the fact that the staging post will soon be in use. Could the hon. Member say that it is the case that a British warship is now cruising in the South part of the Indian Ocean and that that cruises is not incidental to the dispute but is merely part of normal duties? Could he further say—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The hon. Member is spinning this out a bit.
§ Mr. RankinCould he further say whether the appointment of Mr. Arthington-Davy, which has been announced, reflects any lack of confidence on the part of the Government in the former activities of Major Phillips?
§ Mr. AlportI can deny straightaway that the appointment of Mr. Arthington Davy reflects any lack of confidence in the activities of Major Phillips. Indeed, I took occasion to pay tribute to the public service which Major Phillips had 1133 rendered. His retirement is entirely at his own request. The hon. Member will have to put his question about the cruising of a warship in the Indian Ocean to my hon. Friend the Parliamentary and Financial Secretary to the Admiralty. The general position in respect of the Maldive Islands is quite clear. We are anxious to continue and to carry negotiations to a successful conclusion, satisfactory both to the Maldivian Government and to ourselves.
§ Mr. BottomleyWhat has happened to the invitation to the Maldivian Government to send a delegation to this country?
§ Mr. AlportThe Government of the Maldive Islands are still considering their answer at Male.