HC Deb 11 December 1956 vol 562 cc33-4W
75. Mr. Rankin

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will state the policy of the Government in regard to the Service bases in Ceylon.

Lord John Hope

Following the agreement in principle announced after talks with Mr. Bandaranaike last July, it has been agreed that the United Kingdom Government will hand over the bases of Trincomalee and Katunayake to Ceylon in 1957, on a date to be agreed between the two Governments. Regarding the facilities required by the United Kingdom Government, discussions are proceeding as to the extent and duration of, and conditions for, such facilities. The United Kingdom Government expect to make further detailed proposals on this during January, 1957.