§ 11. Mr. Farrasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will take steps to ensure the efficiency of maritime air surveillance capability in the South Atlantic.
§ Mr. WigginI am satisfied that our air surveillance capability is commensurate with our defence needs.
§ Mr. FarrIn view of the incident on Friday in the Falkland Islands when South Georgia was invaded by Argentinian people, and the possibility of further such incursions, will my hon. Friend consider the possibility of keeping HMS "Endurance" on station in the South Atlantic until such time as she can be replaced by a more modern and effective vessel?
§ Mr. WigginI am in some difficulty, because my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office will be answering a private notice question on the subject in a moment, but I assure my hon. Friend that we take all those matters into account when deciding the disposition of Her Majesty's ships.
§ Mr. Jim SpicerDoes my hon. Friend agree that, given the vast sea areas that we are talking about, there is a definite need for land bases for maritime reconnaissance aircraft? Will he say where such bases might be established in time of need, if not in peace time?
§ Mr. WigginThe South Atlantic is outside the NATO area. In general terms, we have no need for regular surveillance and we have no intention of establishing it.
§ Sir John Biggs-DavisonAs the Falkland Islands would make a good headquarters in a South Atlantic treaty organisation—which is sadly lacking—what are Her Majesty's Government doing to ensure the safety of that base in conformity with the first principle of war?
§ Mr. WigginThe security of the Falkland Islands remains a matter of concern to Her Majesty's Government, who maintain a garrison of Royal Marines there, as my hon. Friend knows. That garrison is currently supported by HMS "Endurance" and in future it will be supported by other ships of the Royal Navy.
§ Mr. OgdenIs the Minister aware that it is no use referring to a forthcoming statement by a Minister from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office? The Ministry of Defence decided to abandon the continuation of HMS "Endurance" in those waters. It is the Ministry of Defence that is responsible for maritime defence and for safety and security—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The hon. Gentleman must ask a question.
§ Mr. WigginI do not wish to pre-empt the statement by my hon. Friend the Minister of State. When hon. Members learn more about the nature of the threat, they will realise that that question is not relevant.
§ Mr. FarrOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.