asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence whether, in view of the uncertainty in regard to the efficiency and use of the Suez Canal Defence Zone, he is considering with the other Governments of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Powers alternative bases inthe east Mediterranean

No, Sir.

Would it not be wise to regard Turkey as a more reliable base for defence arrangements at present than Egypt?

There is certainly something in what the hon. Gentleman says.

:Why does the hon. Gentleman reply in the negative? Surely he must be aware that for several years now—and there is no reason to believe that there has been a change in the last two years—both Governments have been considering alternative bases in the Middle East—Cyrenaica, Cyprus and elsewhere? Has there been any change?

This question relates to consultation with N.A.T.O. countries. The countries which the right hon. Gentleman mentioned are outside the N.A.T.O. area.

:Surely the hon. Gentleman is aware that Turkey is not outside the N.A.T.O. area, and that Turkey is closely concerned with arrangements in She Middle East?

I am quite aware that Turkey is in N.A.T.O.

:Even if the Government are not discussing this matter with the N.A.T.O. nations, may we take it that the Government themselves are considering some alternative base, having regard to the fact that they have announced—I think I am right in saying this—that they are considering the redeployment of our forces there? If they intend to redeploy them, we should like to know where they are to be redeployed.

The policy of Her Majesty's Government was given to the House in the last foreign affairs debate by the Foreign Secretary.

:Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the changed attitude of the Israeli people towards this matter and consider a possible agreement with them as to their territory?

:Could the Parliamentary Secretary tell us why he seems to ignore the position of Turkey in N.A.T.O., and whether it is not a question of our being in a position to reinforce Turkey rather than having bases on her territory?

Turkey is our ally in N.A.T.O., and we shall certainly do everything we can to support her.