HC Deb 17 July 1957 vol 573 cc1119-20
14. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for War how much military expenditure he has incurred in Cyprus, since its establishment as a military base, up to 31st June, 1957; how much of this represents capital expenditure; and what are his present proposals for reducing it.

Mr. John Hare

Expenditure by the Army in Cyprus between 1st December, 1954, and 31st June, 1957—

Mr. H. Hynd

The 31st of June?

Mr. Hare

I wanted to answer the Question put by the hon. Member for South Ayrshire (Mr. Emrys Hughes), but I accept the correction—30th June, 1957. The expenditure between 1st December, 1954, and 30th June, 1957, amounted to approximately £28 million. Of this, about £9 million was capital expenditure. As I have already told the hon. Gentleman, the future level of expenditure depends upon developments in Cyprus, and in particular upon the internal security situation.

Mr. Hughes

Will the Minister not agree that this £9 million is an enormous sum of money to be spent on what may be used for temporary purposes only, and is he not getting the assistance of the Minister of Defence to reduce this commitment?

Sir T. Moore

How much was for the extra day?

Mr. Hare

Of course, £9 million is a lot of money, but I think that it is pure conjecture to suppose that this money is necessarily going to be wasted.