§ 23. Mr. James Johnsonasked the Minister of State for Defence what are his intentions regarding the future of the Beira Patrol of the Royal Navy.
§ 35. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Minister of State for Defence whether he will make a further statement about the Beira Patrol.
§ Mr. KirkThe Beira Patrol is one of the means of enforcing sanctions imposed on Rhodesia. It is the intention of the Government to explore the possibilities of a just settlement with Rhodesia; meanwhile sanctions, including the patrol, will continue.
§ Mr. JohnsonWhilst I thank the Minister for his reply, will he bear in 404 mind the defiant posture taken up by Mr. Smith two days ago in his speech about this country? Will he assure the House that our battleships—
§ Mr. Johnson—are chasing Smith's sanction-busters and not haring after Soviet fishing vessels in the Indian Ocean?
§ Mr. KirkThe last Labour Govern-but one got rid of the battleships, but the frigates remain on station and will do so as long as Her Majesty's Government require them to do so.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonSince petrol is cheaper in Rhodesia than in Britain, is it not a futile method of trying to enforce sanctions, and is it not contrary to the spirit of an alliance to blockade the port of an ally?
§ Mr. KirkThe second part of my hon. Friend's question is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary. The reply to the first half is that we are required to keep the refinery at Umtali closed, and it is closed.
§ Mr. PagetAs this aspect of policy, apart from being a piratical interference with an allied port, has produced a farcial failure, cannot the Government take the opportunity to wind it up, apart from any other negotiations with Rhodesia, because it is expensive and absurd?