HC Deb 14 April 1948 vol 449 cc974-5
60. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is now able to state the approximate cost of the proposed exercises of the Home Fleet in the West Indies; and the amount of liquid fuel which will be consumed.

The Parliamentary and Financial Secretary to the Admiralty (Mr. John Dugdale)

No, Sir. The detailed programme for the cruise of the Home Fleet to the West Indies has not yet been worked out, and the amount of liquid fuel which will be consumed is therefore unknown. I can say, however, that the cost of such fuel, which is the sole factor of additional expense involved in tactical exercises, such as are planned on this occasion, will be carefully considered when the decisions on the programme are made.

Mr. Hughes

In view of the appeals for cutting down Government expenditure which have been made from all parts of the House, will my hon. Friend consider cancelling these exercises—[Hon. MEM- BERS: "No."]—in view of the fact that they are an appeasement of the Navy League?

Mr. Dugdale

No, Sir. They are nothing of the kind. We consider them most necessary and we shall continue them.

Mr. Mitchison

Is "splicing the main-brace" included among the tactical exercises for which liquid fuel will be consumed?