§ 15. Captain W. Elliotasked the Secretary of State for Defence now that the number of shore bases available to the Royal Navy and necessary for the protection of vital sea routes of Great Britain are being reduced, what alternative is being provided.
§ Mr. FoleyThe reductions that have taken place have not affected the ability of the Royal Navy to protect vital sea routes to Great Britain.
§ Captain ElliotDoes not the Under-Secretary agree that Great Britain still depends on her sea routes for vital supplies? Does not each base which is given up underline the importance of those remaining— for example, Simons-town and Gibraltar?
§ Mr. FoleyThe question of the importance of the sea routes is certainly one that cannot be ignored. In terms of the existing bases and those which have been given up, we have still managed to refuel and supply the Fleet at sea, and this will continue adequately.
§ Mr. Emrys HughesHow could the Royal Navy defend us against a megaton bomb that arrived by rocket?
§ Sir Ian Orr-EwingWill not the Government reconsider the position of Malta as a very useful base in view of the move of the Russian Navy into the Mediterranean and the threat that that involves to our shipping?
§ Mr. FoleyThe hon. Gentleman will be aware that when we get out completely from Malta we still will have some limited base facilities into which we can from time to time, if the urgency is there, airlift supplies and equipment.
§ Mr. HefferIs my hon. Friend aware that Sweden has ships going all over the world but has no bases anywhere except in Sweden?
§ Captain ElliotIn view of the totally unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek an early opportunity to raise the matter on the Adjournment.