§ 61. Mr. George Jegerasked the Minister of State for Defence how often combined naval exercises are held between the Royal Navy and that of the Republic of South Africa; and when was the last occasion on which they took place.
§ Mr. KirkCombined naval exercises with South African forces have been 459W held annually since 1966. The last occasion was in August of this year. In addition joint training is occasionally carried out with H.M. ships on passage round the Cape.
§ 62. Mr. George Jegerasked the Minister of State for Defence what arrangements are made to ensure that coloured members of the crews of ships of the Royal Navy are given the same hospitality and treatment as their non-coloured ship-mates during British/South African naval exercises; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KirkH.M. ships visiting South Africa give and accept official entertainment without regard to race or colour. There is ample evidence that coloured crew members are well entertained privately when ships call at South African ports.