Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean

HC Deb 12 June 1968 vol 766 c214

11. Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether, in view of the presence now of a Russian Fleet in the Mediterranean, he will reappoint a Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean.

Mr. Reynolds

No, Sir.

Mr. Digby

Is not the present naval force in the Mediterranean quite inadequate? Are not the Government relying to an undue extent on the Italian Navy?

Mr. Reynolds

The Western Fleet of the Royal Navy can be moved to the Mediterranean if required.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Is there not an enormous American fleet in the Mediterranean? Why should we assume that the Mediterranean is a purely British-owned lake?

Mr. Reynolds

Most of the waters of the Mediterranean are international and there is a fleet of the American Navy in the Mediterranean.