§ Mr. Berkeleyasked the Prime Minister what training facilities are provided by the Royal Navy for members of the South African Navy or shared between the South African and British Navies.
§ Mr. HealeyI have been asked to reply.
South African naval personnel are accepted for professional and technical training in this country subject to the general policies applicable to all foreign navies and to the special requirements arising from the exchange of letters known as the "Simonstown Agreement". (Cmd. 9520.)
Similarly, whenever suitable opportunities arise, the Commander-in-Chief, South Atlantic and South America Station arranges for the joint training of British and South African maritime forces on his Station in fulfilment of his responsibilities defined in the annex to the exchange of letters on defence of the sea routes.
All this training is directed towards joint defence of the sea routes around Southern Africa against external aggression, if the need should arise.
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§ Mr. Berkeleyasked the Prime Minister how many members of the South African defence forces are undergoing training at naval, military or air force establishments in Great Britain; and at what cost to Her Majesty's Government.
§ Mr. HealeyI have been asked to reply. Twenty-five. The cost of their training is paid by the South African Government.