§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Defence (1) from which African Governments assurances have been received that base facilities and over-flying rights would be available to Her Majesty's forces, and Her Majesty's allies, in warlike emergency;
(2) from which Governments in Asia assurances have been received that base facilities and over-flying rights would be available to Her Majesty's forces, and Her Majesty's allies, in warlike emergency.
§ Mr. William RodgersAs regards base facilities, within the Central Treaty Organisation there are provisions for mutual assistance between the member States which include Iran and Pakistan.
Under the Simonstown Agreement base facilities would be available to us, but their use would be subject to mutual agreement in any conflict not involving South Africa, and we have more limited rights to use certain facilities in Mauritius, Gan and Masirah.
On overflying rights I have nothing to add to the reply given by the Under-Secretary of State for the Royal Air Force to the hon. Member on 31st October.—[Vol. 880, c. 5.]