HC Deb 23 May 1974 vol 874 c241W
Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if plans have been approved by Her Majesty's Government for the defence of sea routes round the Cape of Good Hope; and how far these involve co-operation with the defence forces of Portugal and South Africa.

Mr. Mason

All aspects of Her Majesty's Government's defence policies are now under review. But plans exist for the defence of important sea routes, including those around Southern Africa provided for under the Simons town Agreement. It is not the practice to give details of military plans.

Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what is his policy on NATO contingency plans for the defence of Southern Africa.

Mr. Mason

NATO has no plans for this purpose.