§ 11. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the purpose of recent naval exercises in the Clyde; and what was the cost.
§ Mr. J. P. L. ThomasI assume that the hon. Member is referring to the exercises in the Clyde which were a phase of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's exercise "Mariner" to test the defences of a large port. Each nation participating bore the direct costs of its own forces, and certain common costs will be shared internationally. The cost of the Royal Navy's participation is accepted as a normal training liability of the Fleet. It is not customary to cost individual exercises.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Minister aware of an article written by Mr. Chester Wilmot which appeared in last Sunday's "Observer," in which he said we were spending far too much money on the Royal Navy and that the real danger was rockets? Can the right hon. Gentleman say how the Royal Navy in the Clyde can defend us against rockets?
§ Mr. ThomasI am prepared to argue that with the hon. Gentleman another time. I cannot possibly accept the view expressed by Mr. Chester Wilmot in last Sunday's "Observer."
§ Sir T. MooreWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that we are always glad and proud to welcome the Royal Navy to the west coast of Scotland for any purpose?