asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will visit Portland naval base.

There are no plans at present for my right hon. Friend to visit Portland naval base.

Will the Minister find time to visit Portland and explain to the many short-service naval pilots and observers stationed there what the Government's policy is regarding the payment of their gratuities when their engagements expire? If the Government do not honour this pledge, will the Minister do the honourable thing and resign, and vote with the Opposition tomorrow?

My right hon. Friend will be making a statement on this matter during the course of the debate on the Defence Estimates following Question Time, and I think the hon. Gentleman will then get a reply to his supplementary question.