Cape Sea Routes (Hansard, 29 October 1970)

§ 15. Mr. Cronin
asked the Minister of State for Defence what is his policy with regard to the protection of sea routes around the Cape by the Royal Navy.

§ Lord Balniel
The policy is to provide the best possible protection for our vital trade routes in conjunction with others having an interest.

§ Mr. Cronin
Having regard to the Government's policy towards South Africa in recent times, what is the nature of any 399 credible threat by the Soviet navy in these waters short of a global war?

§ Lord Balniel
The threat lies in the importance of the sea routes to the United Kingdom. It lies in the capability of the Soviet naval forces in the Indian Ocean. It lies in the public statement made by their leaders and the history of their policies and actions, which compel us to plan on the basis that there is a threat which may develop. There has undoubtedly been a significant increase in Soviet maritime presence in the Indian Ocean.

§ Mr. Wingfield Digby
Will my hon. Friend suggest to N.A.T.O. that it might extend its interest to that area, as it has practically become the southern flank of N.A.T.O.?

§ Lord Balniel
A great deal of importance should be attached to my hon. Friend's statement. I believe that there is throughout the world a growing understanding of the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean.

§ Mr. James Johnson
On a point of order. Perhaps you can help the House, Mr. Speaker. Why is this Question being answered by the Minister of State and not by the Under-Secretary, the hon. Member for Saffron Walden (Mr. Kirk), who has been out in the Indian Ocean on this specific task on behalf of the Government?

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. Mr. Fernyhough.

§ Mr. Fernyhough
In view of what is implied by the Minister's answer, can he tell us what the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary had to say to Mr. Gromyko this week about the so-called danger, and whether it is real or imaginary?

§ Lord Balniel
I suggest that the hon. Gentleman puts down a Question to the Prime Minister or the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

§ Mr. Biggs-Davison
Has any African State offered base facilities to Her Majesty's Government which could replace those of Simonstown?

§ Lord Balniel
My hon. Friend will appreciate that the consultations have been private, and it would be wrong for me to comment on them.

§ Mr. John Morris
What kind of naval force would be necessary to deal with whatever threat from the Soviet Union there is in that part of the world?

§ Lord Balniel
It depends on the particular threat which is posed. The response will depend on the specific threat. This is something we must consider, and we are considering it in consultation with a number of other countries.