11. Mr. B. Harrisonasked the Secretary of State for Air whether he is satisfied with the security situation at Gan, and that he will be able to maintain the Royal Air Force staging post there indefinitely; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. H. FraserBy the Agreement of 14th February, 1960, between Her Majesty's Government and the Government of the Maldive Islands, we enjoy until 1986 the unrestricted and exclusive use of Gan Island and the associated defence facilities elsewhere in Addu Atoll. I see no reason why these arrangements should not run their full term, or beyond should both Governments wish to extend them. I am fully satisfied with our measures for the security of our installations.
Mr. HarrisonIn view of this welcome assurance, will my right hon. Friend do everything possible to bring pressure to bear on his right hon. Friend to settle the political differences there are between the different factions on these atolls?
§ Mr. FraserI hope that these negotiations can be successfully concluded.