§ LORD SHINWELLMy Lords, my second Question appears to have been overtaken by events, but nevertheless I beg leave to ask it.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in the event of a definite withdrawal of our forces from Malta, it is under consideration to chose another base in the Mediterranean.]
§ LORD CARRINGTONMy Lords, as the House and the noble Lord, Lord Shinwell, now know, the Prime Minister of Malta and I signed a new Defence Agreement on Sunday, under which 1054 British forces will continue to occupy facilities on the Island.
§ LORD SHINWELLMy Lords, may I ask the noble Lord whether he is aware that he deserves our congratulations particularly with regard to his patience with Mr. Mintoff—a greater patience than many Members of your Lordships' House would have demonstrated? May I ask whether the £2 million cost that will be borne by Her Majesty's Government for the withdrawal and return of forces will be deducted from the amount that is to be expended on Mr. Mintoff?
§ LORD CARRINGTONMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord most warmly for his kind remarks. The arrangement which the noble Lord suggested might form part of the Agreement unfortunately does not do so.
§ LORD SHINWELLMy Lords, may I also ask the noble Lord whether the decision to come to an agreement with Mr. Mintoff is based on his own decision and consideration, or whether it is because he has been under pressure by allies who have come up with a little more money? Moreover, can the noble Lord say whether the United States of America, although not mentioned in the White Paper which I have in my possession, has given a "back-hander" to Mr. Mintoff?
§ LORD CARRINGTONMy Lords, the noble Lord is mistaken. We did not come to an agreement with Mr. Mintoff; Mr. Mintoff decided to come to an agreement with us. As regards the amount of money which the United States has subscribed, of course it has subscribed, and what it has subscribed is part of the £14 million which NATO is paying.