HC Deb 10 June 1964 vol 696 cc413-4
1. Commander Courtney

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he is satisfied that sufficient warships are available to provide escorts for Commonwealth merchant ships sailing in convoy in the Indian Ocean, should this become necessary as a result of a deteriorating political situation; and if he will make a statement.

The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Navy (Mr. John Hay)

There are many possible contingencies of varying degrees of likelihood in this vast area. Of course we plan to deal with them to the best of our ability and resources, in concert with our allies and in accordance with our general defence policy and strategy. It would, however, not be in the public interest to disclose our detailed plans for dealing with the different threats.

Commander Courtney

Will my hon. Friend accept two propositions following that partly unsatisfactory Answer? Is it not necessary from now on that a convoy should be accompanied by an aircraft carrier if it is to be defended against a threat by surface craft carrying surface-to-surface guided missiles? Secondly, with our present forces in the area, is it not very difficult indeed to protect a convoy from the threat of nuclear submarines?

Mr. Hay

I should have thought that the probability of convoy is limited mainly to conditions of general war. The naval resources we have in the area east of Suez have been steadily increased in recent years and, of course, we keep under constant review the need for any further reinforcement. My hon. Friend will not expect me to comment on his two propositions nor to tell him what we have in mind against any possible threat.

Mr. Willis

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a great many people think that our naval forces east of Suez are quite inadequate to meet the responsibilities which are ours and that the fact that the United States has decided to have a naval presence in the area now would appear to make that quite clear?

Mr. Hay

I think it unlikely that any of our possible adversaries in the area share the hon. Member's view.