HC Deb 17 June 1980 vol 986 cc1332-3
19. Miss Joan Lestor

asked the Secretary of State for Defence when Her Majesty's Government last had discussions with the United States Government over the use of shared military bases.

Mr. Pym

We regularly discuss such matters.

Miss Lestor

Will the right hon. Gentleman be more forthcoming about The use of the Diego Garcia base? If the Prime Minister——

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. lady, I believe, is aware that the matter to which she refers is covered by the three-months' ruling. Questions cannot be asked about the use of that base because the Prime Minister has indicated that she is not answering questions on the matter. [HON. MEMBERS : "Oh."]. Order. Miss Joan Lestor.

Miss Lestor

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in view of that situation, comment on the fact that there have been reports that one or two of these bases shared with the Americans are increasing their activity and that there is much speculation that this increased activity is not being carried out in consultation with the British? Will the right hon. Gentleman comment on any particular cases and the general situation?

Mr. Pym

I can only say, in reply to that question, that there is, indeed, continuous consultation with our allies and with the United States in particular. There is, naturally, increased activity at a number of bases all round the world at the present time, in view of international events and what has occurred. But the arrangements for consultations with our allies are satisfactory to us and, so far as we know, satisfactory to our allies. That is the position.

Mr. Cormack

Did my right hon. Friend see the Labour Party's defence broadcast last week? If so, is he not concerned about those with whom it might wish to share bases?

Mr. Pym

I do not know whether that broadcast actually represented the view of the Opposition. That is a matter for them.

Mr. Dalyell

If questions on Diego Garcia are not allowed, why was question No. 32, in my name, uncharacteristically dodged by the Defence Secretary by transferring it to the Lord Privy Seal? It was a direct question on Diego Garcia that had been allowed by the Table Office. It looks as if the Defence Secretary did not want to answer it.

Mr. Pym

On the contrary, questions on consultations with our allies are a matter principally for the Lord Privy Seal. I have not sought to dodge any question.