asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what plans Her Majesty's Government have for neutralising the eastern Mediterranean.

None, Sir.

Can my right hon. Friend be satisfied with that kind of action. bearing in mind that the political squabbling between N.A.T.O. and the Warsaw Pact Powers in this part of the world is providing a serious obstacle to democratic and peaceful progress in many countries ranging from Greece right round to North Africa?

When my hon. Friend speaks of neutralising the Eastern Mediterranean, that might, for example, be interpreted to mean the exclusion of Greece and Turkey from N.A.T.O. I do not believe that that would be a wise step to take, or that it would contribute to the stability of the area.

Will the right hon. Gentleman confirm that it is the Government's intention to maintain a British naval presence in that area?

I think that Government policy on this is well known.

Can my right hon. Friend tell us whether the covenant of the United Nations does not neutralise not only the eastern Mediterranean but the world?

No, I think not. The Charter of the United Nations, to which I think my hon. and learned Friend refers, provides for regional organisations.