§ 8. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent the defence planning of the United Kingdom is co-ordinated with that of South Africa.
§ Mr. MasonPlanning for the defence of the Cape route is co-ordinated with South Africa in accordance with the terms of the Simonstown Agreement.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonSince Simonstown and naval co-operation are more than ever essential to our security, how are the Government honouring the spirit of the Simonstown Agreement? In view of the appalling trade figures and Admiral Bierman's visit, have the Government completed their reconsideration of their hypocritical arms ban?
§ Mr. MasonThe latter point is very much different from the one in the Question. With regard to the Agreement, we recognise the importance and value of the Cape route. The Commander-in-Chief, Western Fleet, is responsible for overall planning of that region and we have a senior officer for co-ordinating planning locally.
§ Mr. John LeeWhen are we to dissociate ourselves from this absurd Agreement? Against whom is the South African alliance directed?
§ Mr. MasonThe Simonstown Agreement is working extremely well and is serving us well at the moment.
§ Mr. GoodhewIs the hon. Gentleman aware that after the hash his party has made of affairs in the Middle East the route round the Cape is much more important than ever before? Is he also aware that there are grave rumours that the French are to replace us in Simonstown? Will he give an assurance that that is not so?
§ Mr. RoseDoes not the illegal presence of South African Forces in Rhodesia make a nonsense of any coordinated defence policy with South Africa? Will my hon. Friend give a categorical undertaking that there is no intention of supplying Buccaneers to the South African Air Force?
§ Mr. MasonArms to South Africa is the subject of a later Question. We have always recognised the importance of the Cape route, and for that the Simonstown Agreement has been kept in being. My hon. Friend should be aware that it is playing a strong part at the moment.
§ Mr. PowellAs the supply of arms to South Africa is an essential part of cooperation with South Africa and of the spirit of the Simonstown Agreement, will the Government say categorically whether they are or are not reconsidering their present policy on the supply of arms to South Africa?
§ Mr. MasonI can only give the same answer to the right hon. Gentleman as I gave to one of my hon. Friends. There is a later Question on the Order Paper specifically on this subject, and I will answer it when we come to it.
§ Mr. BiffenOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I believe that the Minister of Defence is making reference to a Question of mine, No. 51. Has he given you any indication, Sir, that he wishes to answer this Question at the end of Questions if it is not reached?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe answer is "No".