§ 1. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Defence whether he will make a statement on the protection of the United Kingdom's overseas communications and supply routes.
§ The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Roy Mason)It is no longer possible for the United Kingdom to maintain a global military presence as in the past, but the Royal Navy will retain the ability to deploy world-wide in defence of national interests and in co-operation with our allies. Our maritime contribution to NATO will mainly be in the Eastern Atlantic and Channel areas and it is in these areas that the vital supply and reinforcement routes to Britain and the rest of Europe are concentrated.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonConsidering the developments in the Iberian peninsula, the Mediterranean and further east, and considering moreover the Government's proposal to abandon the Commonwealth 246 and other allies, with what forces and from what bases will co right hon. Gentleman be able to meet the growing threat to our supply routes?
§ Mr. MasonIf the hon. Gentleman is referring to east of the Cape, he knows full well that talks have begun about the future of Simonstown and we hope to continue using it on a customer basis. We shall also have the facilities of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. We have the facility to deploy world-wide and we shall still have a presence as far as Singapore.
§ Rear-Admiral Morgan-GilesCan the Secretary of State tell the House how the Royal Navy will be able to deploy worldwide without the use of the maritime Harrier?