§ 16. Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Comonwealth Affairs what official contact he has had with Ministers of the Government of South Africa.
§ Miss Joan LestorSo far, none, Sir; but we keep in touch as necessary through our respective representatives in Pretoria and London.
§ Mr. TrotterWould it not be as well if the Minister were to convey to the South African Government and to this House the Government's intentions about the Simonstown naval base? Will she explain why instructions were given to the Royal yacht publicly to sail past with a great deal of publicity? Was this not a piece of pure hypocrisy, coming at a time when the base is being used regularly by vessels of the Royal Navy and when those vessels operating on the Beira patrol are regularly serviced at Simonstown? Will the hon. Lady take the opportunity at some future date of explaining to the South African Government the need for the maintenance of the Simonstown base in the interests of the development of British shipping'?
§ Miss LestorAs I think the hon. Gentleman knows, the Simonstown Agreement continues in operation. As he must also be aware, the whole question of our defence is under review. If we foresee any changes as a result of that review, and any changes in the Simonstown Agreement, the House will naturally be informed as soon as that takes place.