§ 20. Mr. Croninasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if he will make a statement on the progress made by the Royal Navy on the suppression of piracy off the North coast of Borneo and in the adjacent waters.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingHer Majesty's ships are continuing to undertake frequent anti-piracy patrols in co-operation with the local authorities in British North Borneo. These patrols have contributed to a marked reduction in the number of incidents reported in the area, involving either piracy on the high seas or armed raids by bandits attacking coastal villages from the sea. Her Majesty's ships will persevere with their efforts to suppress such lawlessness on the high seas and in the territorial seas of British North Borneo.
§ Mr. CroninIs it not the case that piracy still flourishes off the coast of Borneo? Is it not highly unsatisfactory 1263 that scenes reminiscent of the days of Henry Morgan should take place in waters over which the Royal Navy is responsible?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingThis is no new problem to that area. Piracy has been in existence in the China Sea for very much longer than I have been at the Admiralty. But we will look at this matter.