§ 5. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will give details of the British defence facilities remaining in Malta; and what plans he has to renegotiate the defence treaty with the Maltese Government.
§ Mr. HealeyBritish defence facilities remaining in Malta include berths for naval vessels, fuelling, victualling, and some maintenance facilities; domestic accommodation, training, welfare and recreational facilities; airfield and associated facilities for resident squadrons and aircraft in transit; joint-Service communications facilities. The negotiation of treaties is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary.
§ Mr. WallCan the right hon. Gentleman confirm that the defence treaty with Malta, signed on independence, has been abrogated? Are the British Government going to have talks with the Maltese to see what the defence position is?
§ Mr. HealeyNo, Sir. The defence agreement is in force until September, 1974.