§ 57. Mr. Wingfield Digbyasked the Secretary of State for Defence, in view of the closing of the Suez Canal with the consequent enhancement of the importance of the Cape route to the Merchant Marine, what extra warships are to be sent to the area; and what assistance he has sought from the South African Government for its protection.
§ Mr. HealeyApart from H.M. Ships on passage to and from the Far East, which will have to use the Cape route while the Suez Canal is closed, no extra warships are being sent to the area. No requirement for the protection of the Cape route has arisen.