§ 27. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the Government's reaction to SACLANT's plan for protecting allied shipping outside the NATO area.
§ 31. Mr. Luceasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he has completed his assessment on NATO's study report concerning the protection of merchant shipping outside NATO's area of military responsibility.
§ Mr. DuffyMy Department has provided SACLANT with its professional comments on his draft contingency plan for the protection of shipping outside the NATO area in time of war. SACLANT will be forwarding the plan to NATO headquarters for approval in due course.
§ Mr. WallWill the Minister bear in mind that contingency plans are not much use unless there are adequate communications in the exercise of those plans?
§ Mr. LuceIn view of the great pressure on NATO forces in the South Atlantic and Indian Ocean, will the Minister say what measures NATO is prepared to take to protect those routes?
§ Mr. GoodhewWhat is the Secretary of State for Defence doing to try to interest other NATO Powers in this part of the world, since the area is so vital to our defence interests?
§ Mr. DuffyMy right hon. Friend has already taken that precise course. In other words, he has already brought this 303 matter to the attention of our NATO Allies.