§ 2. Mr. P. Williamsasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he is now in a position to make a further statement about negotiations with the Maldivian Government.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. C. J. M. Alport)I would refer my hon. Friend to my Answer to a Question by the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway) on 13th April.
§ Mr. WilliamsCan my hon. Friend say whether he is completely satisfied that the state of negotiations at the moment guarantees complete security to our base on the island?
§ Mr. AlportOur present position on the island is based on the agreement reached in 1956. We are hopeful that the negotiations, which are only suspended, will be resumed, and it is certainly our object that they should be 1440 brought to a conclusion satisfactory both to the Maldivian Government and to ourselves as quickly as possible.