§ 2. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Defence what is the allocation of responsibility for the maritime security of the Cape route between the British, South African, and other allied forces.
§ The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Denis Healey)Under the Simonstown Agreement, Her Majesty's Government and the South African Government share responsibilities for maritime security in the South Africa area.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonSince the Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Navy told us on 8th February of increased responsibility given by Her Majesty's Government to the South African Navy, is it not arrant hypocrisy to maintain the ban on the sale of the materials needed by the South Africans to discharge that responsibility? Will the Government help the trade mission now arriving in South Africa by ending the ban, which is largely disregarded by our Allies?
§ Mr. HealeyThe answer to both parts of that supplementary questions is no, Sir.
§ Mr. PowellIs the right hon. Gentleman denying that his hon. Friend stated that additional responsibility has been 1317 allocated by this country to South Africa for the defence of the sea routes?
§ Mr. HealeyNo. That was the prothesis of the apothesis of the first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question.
§ Sir C. OsborneCan the Minister give a reasonable reason for our wanting to use the Simonstown base if we are not prepared to help defend it? Two weeks ago I was round the base myself and the authorities there were alarmed at the foolishness of refusing to sell them arms. Will he try to alter the policy?
§ Mr. HealeyHer Majesty's Government's policies were announced and debated fully in this House and there was a substantial majority in favour of them.