HC Deb 02 July 1952 vol 503 cc408-9
17. Mr. Fernyhough

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the estimated value of the installations destroyed in the raid on Korean power stations on 23rd June.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

The cost of the original construction of these plants is estimated at about 200 million United States dollars. I have no information as to the value of the parts destroyed.

Mr. Fernyhough

In view of the fact that we are pledged to a policy of helping to rehabilitate and reconstruct Korea, can the right hon. and learned Gentleman now say how much greater the financial contribution of this country will be for that purpose in view of the damage caused by this raid about which we were not informed?

Mr. Lloyd

Of course, attacks on military targets do involve certain costs, but the point is to try and maintain the security of the United Nations troops.

Mr. J. Hynd

Would the Minister give the comparable cash figure to represent the value of lives lost had these bombs been dropped on Chinese troops instead of on bricks and mortar?

Mr. Nally

Could the right hon. and learned Gentleman say what was the value of these power stations at the time when the Japanese built most of them? Could he further say what is the estimated present value of the installations in providing radar and other services for planes which may potentially be used against United Nations troops in the field?

Mr. Lloyd

I do not think that that is a calculation which could be made in terms of money, but it is relevant to consider it in terms of human life.