HC Deb 07 November 1966 vol 735 cc972-3
40. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action he is taking to abrogate the Simonstown Agreement.

Mr. George Brown

None, Sir.

Mr. Wall

I am delighted with the right hon. Gentleman's reply, but can he say whether we are carrying out our side of the agreement? Are we supplying ammunition to South African ships built in this country, and is there any proposal to withdraw the C.-in-C., South Atlantic and his staff?

Mr. Brown

We are discussing proposals with South Africa for reductions in our provisions under this agreement which does not commit us to maintain any particular level of force, but I cannot give details about this. Subject to statements made in the past about restrictions which we thought it right to impose and about which the House knows, we are certainly carrying out our side of the agreement.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Is it not a fact that the Falkland Islands affair showed the importance of Simonstown to the Royal Navy and Great Britain?