HC Deb 20 March 1968 vol 761 cc396-7
16. Rear-Admiral Morgan Giles

asked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will now discuss with the Australian Government plans for British forces to use Australian bases in any future emergency.

Mr. Healey

We shall continue to discuss matters of common defence interest with the Australian Government.

Rear-Admiral Morgan Giles

Has the Secretary of State been able to convince the Australians about our capability of keeping our promise to go to their aid, if necessary?

Mr. Healey

With respect, that is a completely different question and does not arise on this one.

Mr. Powell

As the right hon. Gentleman invited the Opposition two years ago to welcome the progress made in talks on this subject with the Australian Government, is it not time that we had some report on the progress which is being achieved?

Mr. Healey

As the right hon. Gentleman is never tired of reminding us, many other matters have changed in the last two years.