§ Mr. Ripponasked the Lord Privy Seal whether he will take steps to renegotiate the Simonstown agreement; and if he will make a statement on his policy in respect of the protection of sea routes in the South Atlantic.
§ Mr. LuceThe agreement was terminated in 1975, so the question of renegotiating it does not arise. The freedom of the trade routes in the South Atlantic is of great importance, and Her Majesty's Government are ensuring that arrangements for their protection are as effective as possible.