§ Miss Fookesasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make the necessary arrangements for the "Canberra" to dock at Plymouth so that Royal Marines stationed in and around Plymouth may disembark there rather than at Southampton.
§ Mr. BlakerNo. Both Southampton and Plymouth were considered as possible ports for the return of the Royal Marines of 3 Commando Brigade and "Canberra". However, it would have been necessary at Plymouth to disembark over 2,000 men in the Sound by helicopter, lighter and landing craft: this would have been a difficult operation, and would have seriously delayed getting the men ashore and reuniting them with their families. The ship and her crew would then have had to sail to Southampton. The men on board the "Canberra" were consulted and expressed a wish for a joint homecoming to Southampton because of the bond which had developed between them, the ship, and the crew during their operations together in the South Atlantic.
§ Miss Fookesasked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make the necessary arrangements for the coaches carrying the Royal Marines and their families to travel through the centre of Plymouth to enable members of the public to greet them.
§ Mr. BlakerI understand that the Lord Mayor of Plymouth and the flag officer Plymouth have now agreed that in order not to delay the return of the Royal Marines and their families, many with young children, to their own homes, the coaches should make their way as quickly as possible direct to the Royal Marines barracks. However, a welcoming party is being organised on the outskirts of Plymouth before the coaches reach the barracks.