HC Deb 04 February 1960 vol 616 cc1198-9
4. Mr. Rankin

asked the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations what consultations he has had with the Government of the Union of South Africa regarding mutual questions of defence policy.

Mr. Alport

Discussions on defence matters of interest to the Union of South Africa and the United Kingdom were held in 1955, 1957, 1958 and 1959.

Mr. Rankin

Apart altogether from the agreement on the use of Simonstown, can the Minister of State tell us exactly what Commonwealth defence obligations rest on South Africa? Has she any—or is she too busy pursuing policies of apartheid to bother about the Commonwealth at all?

Mr. Alport

We have no formal defence pact with the Union of South Africa. If the hon. Gentleman has any specific aspect of the defence discussions on which he wishes to ask a Question, perhaps he will put it down.

Mr. Rankin

In view of that invitation, will the hon. Gentleman tell us something about the discussion?

Mr. Alport

If the hon. Gentleman will be kind enough to put down a Question. I shall be very glad to do so.