§ 69. Mr. Braineasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state the grounds advanced by the United States authorities for an extension of the defence facilities they at present enjoy in Bermuda; what views have been expressed by the Bermudan Government; and what decisions have been taken.
§ Mr. ProfumoThe U.S. Government have asked for further land on the grounds that additional facilities required cannot be sited within the area at present held by them. The Government of Bermuda are concerned at the proposal in view of the smallness of the island and its growing population. Whether the facilities can be sited within the area already occupied by the U.S. is, as my right hon. Friend explained in my reply to the hon. Member for Torquay (Mr. F. M. Bennett) on 19th December, being considered by the Governments concerned. No decisions have been taken.