§ 16. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions British naval vessels or their ships' companies have made use of facilities in South Africa for recreational, administrative or re-supply and replenishment purposes in 1968 and 1969, respectively.
§ 46. Mr. Winnickasked the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions British naval vessels have made use of facilities in South Africa for administrative and replenishment purposes in the last two years.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Defence for the Royal Navy (Dr. David Owen)In 1968, there were 55 occasions and in 1969, 69 occasions.
§ Mr. WallDo not these figures, together with the fact that 1,000 British merchantships a year use South African ports, show the importance of good Anglo-South African relations? Would the hon. Gentleman take this opportunity to express his thanks to the South African Government?
§ Dr. OwenI would certainly take the opportunity of thanking people who give hospitality to sailors who land in these ports. The visits were made by ships on passage to and from the Far East.
§ Mr. WinnickIs my hon. Friend aware that many of us on this side find very distasteful, to say the least, the joint Anglo-South African naval exercises which take place each year?
§ Dr. OwenI am aware of my hon. Friend's feelings, but my right hon. Friend has already written to him to assure him that the exercises are not out of tune with the United Nations resolution to refrain from selling arms to the South African Government, to which Her 394 Majesty's Government have firmly adhered.
§ 24. Mr. Goodhewasked the Secretary of State for Defence on how many occasions British naval vessels or their crews have made use of facilities in Mozambique for recreational, administrative and replenishment purposes in 1968 and 1969, respectively.
§ Dr. David OwenNone, although Royal Naval personnel in need of urgent medical attention have received treatment in Beira hospitals.
§ Mr. GoodhewWill the hon. Gentleman tell the House why this costly charade of the Beira patrol is continued now? Does he realise that Rhodesians can buy petrol, even off the ration, much cheaper than we can in this country? Is it really reasonable to tie down more than half the Far East frigate force on this charade?
§ Sir D. GloverWhy do they not do the job?
§ Dr. OwenThis Government, unlike the Opposition when they were in office, take notice of United Nations resolutions.
§ Mr. PagetWill my hon. Friend tell me how long this silliness has to continue? I resigned the Whip because of this folly, which is becoming more obvious every day.
§ Dr. OwenIt was not folly when my hon. and learned Friend resigned the Whip and it is not folly now. The purpose of the resolution has been achieved. No oil has been discharged.